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The Fed Decides Wednesday — Here's What It Means for Your Mortgage, the Loonie, and Your RRSP

  Monday, July 27, 2026 The U.S. Federal Reserve hands down its rate decision at 2 p.m. ET on July 29. For most Canadians it will feel like background noise. It isn't — here's the plain-language version of why it touches your mortgage, your cross-border spending, and whatever's sitting in your RRSP. The short version: Markets are pricing roughly a two-in-three chance the Fed holds its rate at 3.50%–3.75% on Wednesday. That's not the story. The story is that this is one of the least certain "sure thing" holds in years — and Chair Kevin Warsh's press conference at 2:30 p.m. ET could matter more than the decision itself. Why this meeting is different The Fed has held its benchmark rate steady at 3.50%–3.75% through every meeting so far in 2026. On paper, Wednesday should be more of the same. Under the hood, it's messier. Persistent inflation, running well above the Fed's 2% target for a fifth straight year, has kept a rate hike on the table. The oil-...
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Gaza war casts a dark cloud over Ramadan celebrations

 


As Muslims around the world welcome the holy month of Ramadan, Palestinians are facing a bleak and somber mood amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. The war, which has entered its sixth month, has killed more than 31,000 people and left millions facing the threat of famine.

In Jerusalem, where the war began after clashes at the Al Aqsa mosque compound in October, Israeli police have tightened security and deployed thousands of officers around the Old City. The mosque, one of the holiest sites in Islam, is expected to host tens of thousands of worshippers every day during Ramadan. However, many Palestinians fear that Israeli authorities and far-right Israelis could provoke unrest and violence.

In the occupied West Bank, where around 400 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces or settlers since the start of the war, the usual festive decorations and celebrations have been canceled or toned down. Many Palestinians say they are mourning the loss of their loved ones and expressing solidarity with their besieged brothers and sisters in Gaza.

In Gaza, where Israel has launched a relentless bombing campaign that has destroyed thousands of homes, schools, hospitals and infrastructure, the situation is even more dire. With the blockade preventing the entry of food, fuel, medicine and other humanitarian aid, many Gazans are struggling to survive and prepare for Ramadan. Some have resorted to living in tents or makeshift shelters, while others have fled to neighboring countries or the sea.

The war has also stalled the efforts to secure a ceasefire, as both sides have rejected several proposals and demands. The international community has expressed growing alarm and urged both parties to end the hostilities and resume negotiations. However, the prospects for peace remain elusive, as the war continues to rage on and inflict more suffering and devastation.


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