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BoC Holds at 2.25%: What the Rate Decision (and Rising Gas Prices) Mean for Your Wallet

  Thursday, July 16, 2026 Sixth consecutive hold. A weaker 2026 growth forecast. And inflation that's running hotter because of gas prices, not the usual suspects. Here's what actually changes for you. The Bank of Canada held its overnight rate at 2.25% on Wednesday, exactly as markets expected. No surprise there. What's more interesting is why it held, and what it revealed about where the economy — and your bills — are headed next. This was the sixth straight hold since the Bank finished its easing cycle back in October. But buried in the accompanying Monetary Policy Report were a few numbers worth your attention. The Numbers That Matter Overnight Rate 2.25% (unchanged) Prime Rate (typical) 4.45% 2026 GDP Growth Forecast 0.7% (cut from 1.2%) 2027 / 2028 Growth Forecast 1.8% each year May CPI Inflation 3.2% Inflation Excluding Gasoline 2.2% Unemployment Rate (June) 6.5% Next Rate Decision September 2, 2026 Why Gas Prices Are Driving This Decision Here's the twist in th...
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Tips for building your 2024 investment plan


As we enter the new year, it’s a good time to reevaluate your investment strategies and prepare for the evolving market conditions. Here are some tips to help you build a successful investment plan for 2024:

  • Reevaluate your investment strategies: Experts suggest that now is a good time to reevaluate your investment strategies and prepare for the evolving market conditions. Although Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem has said it is too early to consider rate cuts, the central bank could begin cutting interest rates as early as April or May, according to forecasts from TD. Falling interest rates will be the story of 2024, so it’s important to invest accordingly.
  • Consider low-cost dividend-focused index funds: Investing in low-cost dividend-focused index funds can help you generate passive income at a low cost for life.
  • Be cautious with GICs: Last year, many investors chose to park money in savings or a short-term Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC), earning risk-free returns of 5 per cent or more. Although it was an effective strategy in a high-interest-rate environment, GIC rates are already falling, and completely opposite market forces are starting to take shape. Canadians looking to simply protect their cash in 2024 could be in for a “rough year,” potentially missing out on greater gains elsewhere.
  • Prepare for the evolving market conditions: With the market conditions evolving, it’s important to prepare for the changes. Falling interest rates will be the story of 2024, so it’s important to invest accordingly.


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