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Bank of Canada Holds at 2.25% — What the Fine Print Means for You

  July 15, 2026  |  Canadian Money Brief The Bank of Canada held its policy rate at 2.25% today, exactly as every economist surveyed expected. The number didn't move — but the story underneath it did. Between renewed oil-market chaos, a stubbornly hot inflation reading, and an economy that's finally showing signs of life, this "boring" hold decision was anything but simple. If you've been following our preview piece from earlier this week , this is the follow-up: what actually happened, and what it means for your mortgage, your savings, and your grocery bill. The Decision, in Plain English This marks the sixth consecutive hold since the Bank's last cut back in October 2025. The overnight rate stays at 2.25%, the Bank Rate at 2.5%, and the deposit rate at 2.20%. Bank prime — the number that actually determines your variable mortgage or line of credit rate — stays put at 4.45%. Governor Tiff Macklem has described this level as sitting near the bottom of the Bank...

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Canada’s Inflation Rate Eases to 2.9% in January

 


Canada’s annual rate of inflation slowed in January, with prices rising 2.9 per cent, according to Statistics Canada. This deceleration was primarily driven by lower year-over-year prices for gasoline. Excluding volatile items like energy and food, the core inflation rate remained relatively stable.

Factors Influencing the Slowdown:

  1. Gasoline Prices: The decline in gasoline prices contributed significantly to the easing of inflation. As global oil markets adjusted, consumers benefited from more affordable fuel at the pump.

  2. Grocery Costs: Price growth for groceries also decelerated, rising 3.4 per cent annually in January compared to 4.7 per cent in December. This moderation in food prices played a role in curbing overall inflation.

  3. Base-Year Effect: The headline Consumer Price Index (CPI) grew at a slower pace year over year in January due to a base-year effect. The monthly increase in January 2023 was smaller than that in January 2022.

While this slowdown is a positive sign, it’s essential to monitor inflation trends closely. The central bank will continue to assess economic conditions and adjust monetary policy as needed. As we navigate the delicate balance between price stability and economic growth, Canadians can expect ongoing discussions about inflationary pressures and their impact on household budgets.

In summary, Canada’s inflation rate has taken a breather, but vigilance remains key as we move forward in 2024.


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