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5 Things to Know Today: BoC Holds at 2.25%, Oil Spikes, CCB Boost

  Wednesday, July 15, 2026 Good morning. The Bank of Canada made its call this morning, oil is on the move again because of the Middle East, and a bigger government deposit is about to hit millions of accounts. Here's what actually matters for your wallet today. 1. The Bank of Canada held its key rate at 2.25% As widely expected, the Bank of Canada left its overnight rate unchanged at 2.25% this morning, alongside a fresh Monetary Policy Report. It's the sixth straight hold since the easing cycle paused last fall. The Bank says it's looking through the near-term inflation bump caused by higher oil prices from the conflict in the Middle East, but has made clear it won't let that become a persistent trend. What it means for you: Prime rate stays at 4.45%. If you're on a variable-rate mortgage or HELOC, your payment doesn't change this month. Fixed-rate shoppers should watch bond yields, not the BoC rate, for the next move in posted rates. 2. Oil prices are spik...

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Slow-Cooker Guinness Beef Stew

Make this traditional Irish stew in your slow cooker! Cooking low and slow creates very tender beef and a robust flavor. The best part is that it's ready to eat after you get home from a long day.

Ingredients

  • 1-1/2 pounds potatoes (about 3 medium), peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 3 medium carrots, thinly sliced
  • 2 medium onions, chopped
  • 2 medium parsnips, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 2 celery ribs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 boneless beef chuck roast (3 pounds), cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1-3/4 teaspoons salt
  • 3/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 bottle (12 ounces) Guinness stout or beef broth
  • 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) beef broth
  • 2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Minced fresh parsley
Directions

1. Place the first 5 ingredients in a 5- or 6-qt. slow cooker.

2. Toss beef with flour, salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Brown beef in batches. Transfer beef to slow cooker with a slotted spoon. Reduce heat to medium. To same skillet, add tomato paste and garlic. Cook and stir 1 minute.

3. Add beer to skillet, stirring to loosen browned bits from pan. Transfer to slow cooker. Stir in broth and thyme.

4. Cook, covered, on low until beef and vegetables are tender, 7-8 hours. Garnish with parsley.


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