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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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TSX gains on rate cut hopes despite high inflation`

 


Canada’s main stock index, the Toronto Stock Exchange’s S&P/TSX composite index, rose by 0.75% to 20,777.19 on Tuesday despite a sticky domestic inflation reading.

The materials sector, which houses Canada’s major mining firms, gained 1.3% with copper miners amongst the top gainers on the benchmark index as prices of the red metal rose. Consumer staple was amongst the leading sectors, rising 1.2%, while utilities advanced 0.8%.

San Francisco Fed President Mary Daly said cuts to the U.S. central bank’s benchmark rate are likely to be appropriate next year, the Wall Street Journal reported. Fed Atlanta President Raphael Bostic and Fed Chicago President Austan Goolsbee are also scheduled to speak later in the day.

Meanwhile, the loonie strengthened 0.5% against the dollar after data showed Canada’s annual inflation rate unexpectedly remained at 3.1% in November. The renewed acceleration in core inflation pressures in November was partly due to a jump in travel tour prices, which is likely to be reversed in December.

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