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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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Stock Market Futures Rise Following Strong Jobs Report

 


In a positive turn of events, US stock futures have nudged higher after the release of a robust jobs report. Here are the key highlights:

  1. March Job Growth: Employers added 303,000 jobs, surpassing economists’ expectations. This impressive growth signals continued strength in the US labor market.

  2. Unemployment Rate: The unemployment rate ticked back down to 3.8%, reflecting a healthy employment landscape.

  3. Wage Growth: Wage growth also met expectations, providing further evidence of economic resilience.

Despite recent market volatility driven by surging oil prices and geopolitical tensions, investors are cautiously optimistic. The Dow Jones Industrial Average futures rose by approximately 0.2%, while S&P 500 futures gained 0.3%. The tech-heavy Nasdaq 100 futures were up by 0.4%.

However, uncertainties persist, with investors closely monitoring economic releases, corporate news, and global events. Oil prices remain near six-month highs due to escalating tensions in the Middle East.

As the market navigates these challenges, the strong jobs report offers a glimmer of hope for investors. It’s a reminder that economic fundamentals continue to play a crucial role in shaping market sentiment.

Stay tuned for further developments as the trading day unfolds. 

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