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BoC Holds at 2.25%: What the Rate Decision (and Rising Gas Prices) Mean for Your Wallet

  Thursday, July 16, 2026 Sixth consecutive hold. A weaker 2026 growth forecast. And inflation that's running hotter because of gas prices, not the usual suspects. Here's what actually changes for you. The Bank of Canada held its overnight rate at 2.25% on Wednesday, exactly as markets expected. No surprise there. What's more interesting is why it held, and what it revealed about where the economy — and your bills — are headed next. This was the sixth straight hold since the Bank finished its easing cycle back in October. But buried in the accompanying Monetary Policy Report were a few numbers worth your attention. The Numbers That Matter Overnight Rate 2.25% (unchanged) Prime Rate (typical) 4.45% 2026 GDP Growth Forecast 0.7% (cut from 1.2%) 2027 / 2028 Growth Forecast 1.8% each year May CPI Inflation 3.2% Inflation Excluding Gasoline 2.2% Unemployment Rate (June) 6.5% Next Rate Decision September 2, 2026 Why Gas Prices Are Driving This Decision Here's the twist in th...

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Meta’s AI Investment Causes Market Stir


In a bold move that sent shockwaves through the stock market, Meta Platforms Inc. announced plans to significantly increase its investment in artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure. The Facebook and Instagram owner revealed that expenses for 2024 could soar as high as $40 billion, a figure that far exceeds market expectations.

Market Reaction Investors responded swiftly to the news, resulting in a staggering $200 billion loss in Meta’s market value within just a few hours. The company’s shares plummeted nearly 15%, as the market grappled with the implications of the tech giant’s aggressive spending strategy.

Long-Term Vision Despite the immediate financial impact, Meta’s leadership is focused on the long-term potential of AI. The company is betting big on the technology, hoping that the substantial investments will eventually translate into significant revenue growth.

Investor Concerns However, the announcement has raised concerns among investors about the timeline for these investments to bear fruit. With rising costs and an uncertain return on investment, there is growing skepticism about how long it will take for Meta’s AI initiatives to contribute positively to its bottom line.

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