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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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Delta Airlines Increases Checked-Baggage Fees by 17%


              

In a move that may prompt travelers to reconsider their packing strategies, Delta Airlines has just raised the cost of checking your first bag by 17%. The previous fee of $30 for domestic flights now increases by $5, bringing it to $35. Additionally, the charge for a second checked bag has risen from $40 to $45.

Delta’s decision follows similar fee hikes by other major U.S. carriers. Both American Airlines and United Airlines announced their own increases in February, and smaller carriers like Alaska Airlines and JetBlue Airways have also adjusted their fees recently. This trend of carriers adjusting their pricing in response to one another is often referred to as “herd instinct” by behavior analysts.

While passengers with status perks can still check their first bag for free, and those with first-class tickets can check two bags without charge, the majority of travelers will feel the impact of these fee adjustments. Baggage fees have become a reliable source of revenue for airlines, especially since their introduction in 2008 when jet fuel prices were soaring. In 2022, U.S. airlines collectively earned $6.8 billion from checked-bag fees, with American and United leading the way at $1.4 billion and $1.1 billion, respectively. Delta followed closely in third place with $979.4 million.

As travelers prepare for their next flights, it’s essential to stay informed about these changes and consider how they might affect travel budgets. Whether you’re a seasoned flyer or a first-time traveler, keep an eye on those baggage fees—they’re more significant than ever.


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