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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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Israel Rejects Ceasefire Proposal Accepted by Hamas as Rafah Invasion Looms

 

In a tense turn of events, Hamas has announced its acceptance of an Egyptian-Qatari proposal for a ceasefire to halt the seven-month-long war with Israel in Gaza. However, Israel remains skeptical and has not yet confirmed its agreement to the deal. The situation remains precarious as both sides grapple with their demands and the potential consequences of further military action.

The Ceasefire Proposal

The proposed ceasefire aims to bring an end to the ongoing conflict that has resulted in significant loss of life and displacement. While Hamas has welcomed the proposal, Israel has rejected it, citing concerns about the safety of its citizens and the need for a comprehensive solution. The proposal includes provisions for a full withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza and a cessation of hostilities.

Israel’s Stance

Israel maintains that it will continue military operations until Hamas is defeated and has expressed its intention to retain a security presence in Gaza3. The rejection of the ceasefire proposal underscores the deep-rooted tensions between the two parties and their differing visions for a peaceful resolution.

The Rafah Situation

Rafah, a city in southern Gaza, has become a focal point in the conflict. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have called for civilians in eastern Rafah to move toward an expanded humanitarian area, potentially signaling preparations for a ground invasion. However, President Joe Biden and other world leaders have repeatedly voiced opposition to such an invasion, warning of a spike in civilian casualties and a worsening humanitarian crisis. The population in Rafah has swelled to an estimated 1.4 million people following Israel’s offensive in Gaza in retaliation for Hamas’ attack on Israel and the taking of hostages.

The Way Forward

As the situation remains fluid, international leaders continue to engage in diplomatic efforts to find a resolution. CIA Director William Burns is set to travel to Israel for further hostage and ceasefire talks after discussions in the Qatari capital, Doha. The stakes are high, and the world watches closely as both sides weigh their options.


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