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Why Interest Rates Matter for Canadians

Interest rates are the single most powerful lever in Canada's economy.  When the Bank of Canada adjusts its policy rate, the effects reach every household—from the cost of carrying a mortgage to the return on a savings account. With rates currently at 2.25% and significant uncertainty ahead, understanding how rates work has never been more important for your finances. What Is the Bank of Canada's Policy Rate? The Bank of Canada sets the overnight policy rate—the interest rate at which major banks lend money to each other. This rate serves as a benchmark that influences borrowing and lending costs across the entire economy. When the Bank raises or lowers this rate, commercial banks adjust their prime rates accordingly, which directly affects the rates you pay on mortgages, lines of credit, and other loans. The Bank's primary goal is to keep inflation near its 2% target. When inflation runs too hot, the Bank raises rates to cool spending. When the economy slows, it cuts rates...
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Canada’s inflation rate rises in July, but food prices remain stable




According to the latest update from Statistics Canada, the country’s inflation rate accelerated in July 2023. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 3.7% on a year-over-year basis in July, up from a 3.1% increase in June. The increase was mainly due to higher prices for shelter and transportation. However, food prices eased in July, with the food index rising 2.5% year over year compared with a 2.7% increase in June.

Inflation is an important economic indicator that measures the rate at which the general level of prices for goods and services is rising and, subsequently, purchasing power is falling. The rise in inflation can be attributed to various factors such as supply chain disruptions, higher demand for goods and services, and other economic factors. The easing of food prices in July is a positive sign for consumers as it means that they will have to spend less on food items than they did in June.



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