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Canada's New Grocery Benefit Starts July 3 — How Much Will You Get?

  If you've been receiving the GST/HST credit, something is changing on July 3, 2026 — and it's actually good news. The federal government is replacing the old credit with a new program called the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) , and it comes with payments that are 25% larger. More than 12 million Canadians qualify. No application is required. Here's everything you need to know before the first payment lands. What Is the CGEB? The Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit is the federal government's replacement for the GST/HST credit, which has been around since 1991. Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the new benefit on January 26, 2026, and it received Royal Assent on February 12 under Bill C-19. The legislation commits $11.7 billion in additional support to Canadians over six years — $3.1 billion immediately through the one-time June top-up, and $8.6 billion over five years through higher quarterly payments. The name change is deliberate — it signal...

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Wall Street Nears 5,000 Milestone

 

U.S. stocks continued their upward trajectory, setting more records as evidence mounted of a remarkably solid job market. Here’s a snapshot of today’s market activity:

  • The S&P 500 inched up by 2.85 points, reaching 4,997.91.
  • The Dow Jones Industrial Average also achieved an all-time high, edging up by 48.97 points to 38,726.33.
  • The Nasdaq composite gained 37.07 points, closing at 15,793.71.

During the day, the S&P 500 even briefly surpassed the 5,000 level for the first time. While such milestones may seem arbitrary in a market driven by math and financial data, they can offer a psychological boost. Remember, not long ago, experts were predicting a near-certain bear market and recession. Yet, the U.S. economy has defied expectations, and the latest report indicates fewer workers applied for unemployment benefits last week than anticipated.

Investors are increasingly recognizing that positive economic news translates to higher corporate profits, which ultimately benefit stocks. Earnings reports from major U.S. companies have been mixed, with some notable winners:

  • The Walt Disney Co. reported stronger-than-expected profits, benefiting from cost cuts and growth at its theme parks.
  • Ralph Lauren saw robust holiday sales worldwide, particularly in Asia.
  • Arm Holdings, a U.K.-based semiconductor company, exceeded analysts’ expectations.
  • However, PayPal fell short of profit forecasts for 2024, and S&P Global reported weaker profits for the latest quarter.

As Wall Street approaches the 5,000 milestone, it serves as a reminder of how far we’ve come. Amid the market’s emotional swings, staying grounded in data and fundamentals remains crucial. 

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