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Canada's Economy Just Grew 3.3% — Here's Why That Makes a September Rate Cut Even Less Likely

  Published August 29, 2026 If you've been holding out hope that a slowing economy might finally push the Bank of Canada toward a rate cut, Friday's numbers just closed that door a little further. Statistics Canada reported that the Canadian economy grew at an annualized pace of 3.3% in the second quarter — the fastest rate since 2023 — and revised figures show the first quarter expanded 0.3% rather than shrinking as originally reported. That confirms Canada never actually slid into a technical recession this year. It's good news for the economy. It's less good news if you were counting on lower borrowing costs anytime soon. What actually drove the growth The rebound was broad-based. Exports posted their strongest performance in 39 months, business investment in factories, equipment and commercial real estate jumped, and consumer spending held up as well. On a per-person basis, output grew at a 3.8% annualized clip — the quickest pace since late 2021, even with Canada...

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Tomato Soup


Beat the cold in the most delicious way: this simple tomato soup recipe transforms everyday ingredients into a nourishing bowl of goodness.

 

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 2 cups chopped yellow onions (2 onions)
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic (3 cloves)
  • 4 cups chicken stock, preferably homemade
  • 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes, preferably San Marzano
  • Large pinch of sugar
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 cup orzo pasta (optional)
  • Fresh basil leaves, julienned, for garnish
  • Croutons, for garnish
  • Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish

Instructions:

  1. In a large nonreactive pot, heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat. When butter is melted, add the onions and cook over medium-low/medium heat, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent. Do not brown.
  2. Add the garlic and cook for a few minutes more, stirring to be sure garlic does not burn.
  3. Stir in the flour and continue cooking and stirring for 1 to 2 minutes more.
  4. Add the chicken broth, tomatoes, sugar, thyme, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.
  5. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat while stirring to make sure that the flour is not sticking to the bottom or sides of the pan. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for about 30 minutes.
  6. Use a hand-held immersion blender to puree soup until very smooth. (Alternatively, let the soup cool slightly and puree in batches in a blender. Be sure to crack the lid or remove the center cap to allow steam to escape.) Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  7. Stir in remaining 3 tablespoons of butter.
  8. Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil, croutons, and a generous sprinkling of Parmigiano-Reggiano.


 

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