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5 Things to Know Today: Tariffs, a CPI Surprise, and the Mortgage Rate Gap

  July 21, 2026 A new round of US tariffs, a surprise inflation dip, and a widening gap between fixed and variable mortgage rates are all moving in different directions today. Here's what's happening and what it means for your money. 1. Washington hits Canada with new 50% tariffs on everyday goods The White House has announced fresh 50% tariffs on a wide list of Canadian exports, including wine, dairy, furniture, hockey equipment, cement, and clothing. The move is framed as retaliation over Canada's dairy quotas, car import rules, and provincial bans on US alcohol. The tariffs take effect August 19 and apply even to goods that would normally qualify duty-free under CUSMA, though energy, potash, fish, and critical minerals are exempt. What it means for you: This round targets export industries, not imports into Canada, so it won't directly raise shelf prices here the way a Canadian tariff on US goods would. The bigger risk is indirect — job pressure in affected sectors ...

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Retail Sales Decline, Cisco Announces Layoffs, and Fast Food Chains Report Earnings: A Snapshot of Economic Trends

 

In the ever-evolving landscape of business and finance, several key events have recently unfolded. Below are three significant developments:

1. Retail Sales Fall

The retail sector faced headwinds as Sabre Corporation, a technology services provider to the travel industry, reported a loss of $96.5 million in its fourth quarter. Despite exceeding Wall Street expectations in terms of adjusted losses, the company’s revenue of $687.1 million fell short of forecasts. As consumer behavior continues to shift, retailers must adapt to changing market dynamics.

2. Cisco’s Workforce Restructuring

Cisco, a network giant, is embarking on a strategic overhaul. The company plans to lay off thousands of employees as it redirects its focus toward high-growth areas. This move underscores the need for agility and adaptability in the tech industry, where innovation and efficiency drive success.

3. Fast Food Earnings

In the fast-food arena, Restaurant Brands International (RBI) delivered better-than-expected results. Fueled by robust sales at Tim Hortons, RBI reported fourth-quarter net income of $508 million, up significantly from the previous year. Adjusted earnings per share stood at 75 cents, beating analysts’ estimates. The company’s net sales rose by 8%, reaching $1.82 billion. As the fast-food industry continues to thrive, investors closely monitor the performance of major chains.

In summary, these developments offer insights into the broader economic landscape. Retailers, tech companies, and fast-food chains must navigate challenges and seize opportunities to remain competitive in an ever-changing world.

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