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The GST/HST Credit Has a New Name — And It's Paying 25% More

  Sunday, July 19, 2026 If you've relied on the quarterly GST/HST credit, that name is gone for good. Here's what replaced it, how much more it's worth, and whether you need to do anything to get it. For years, the GST/HST credit quietly landed in millions of Canadian bank accounts every three months — a modest, tax-free top-up meant to offset sales tax on everyday purchases. As of this month, that program no longer exists under its old name. It's now the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) , and the federal government has permanently increased the payment by 25%, locked in for five years. If you already qualified for the GST/HST credit, you don't need to apply for anything new. But you should know what changed, because the numbers — and the timeline — are more involved than a simple rename. What actually changed The CGEB was first announced by the federal government in January 2026 as part of a broader affordability push, and it became law with the passa...

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Stock Market Update: Mixed Finish as Yields Rise in Q2 2024


The stock market kicked off the second quarter of 2024 with a mixed performance, as US treasury yields climbed. Here are the key highlights:

  1. S&P 500 ( ^GSPC): The S&P 500 index closed down 0.2%, reflecting the cautious sentiment among investors.

  2. Dow Jones Industrial Average ( ^DJI): The Dow Jones fell 0.6%, adding to the uncertainty in the market.

  3. Nasdaq Composite ( ^IXIC): The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite managed to close slightly higher, although it retreated from its earlier session highs.

  4. Bond Yields: The benchmark 10-year Treasury yield (^TNX) rose by 12 basis points to 4.32%, approaching its highest level of the year. This surge in yields raised questions about the economy’s acceleration and its potential impact on the Federal Reserve’s interest rate decisions.

  5. Manufacturing Sector Expansion: Data released on Monday revealed that the US manufacturing sector is in its strongest position since 2022. The Institute for Supply Management’s manufacturing PMI indicated expansion for the first time since September 2022. Additionally, S&P Global reported that production hit a 22-month high last month, signaling continued economic strength.

  6. First Quarter Performance: Equities have started 2024 on a positive note. The S&P 500 has set 22 fresh closing records so far this year, marking its best first quarter since 2019. All three major averages have risen for five consecutive months.

  7. Upcoming Jobs Report: The highlight of the first week of Q2 is Friday’s jobs report, which will provide further insights into the economy’s health and serve as a crucial signal for the Federal Reserve.

In summary, while mixed market performance persists, investors remain watchful of economic indicators and central bank actions. Stay tuned for further updates as the quarter unfolds.


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