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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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Claudia Sheinbaum Makes History as Mexico’s First Female President

 



In a historic landslide victory, Claudia Sheinbaum has been elected as Mexico’s first female president. The official electoral authority reported preliminary results showing that the 61-year-old former mayor of Mexico City secured between 58% and 60% of the vote in Sunday’s election. This remarkable win gives her an impressive lead of nearly 30 percentage points over her main rival, businesswoman Xóchitl Gálvez.

A Trailblazing Career

Before her presidency, Sheinbaum held influential positions, including being the mayor of Mexico City. Her tenure as mayor was pivotal, paving the way for her presidential bid. Born to Jewish maternal grandparents who fled the Nazis in Bulgaria and with paternal roots in Lithuania, Sheinbaum’s diverse heritage reflects Mexico’s rich cultural tapestry.

Sheinbaum’s academic background is equally impressive. She studied physics and earned a doctorate in energy engineering. Her expertise in climate change and energy consumption patterns led to her appointment as secretary of the environment for Mexico City during Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s mayoral term. In 2018, she became the first female mayor of Mexico City, serving until 2023 when she stepped down to run for president.

Promising Continuity

In her victory speech, Sheinbaum assured voters: “I won’t fail you.” She pledges to build upon the “advances” made by outgoing President López Obrador, her mentor. Her supporters celebrated at the Zócalo, Mexico City’s main square, waving banners that read “Claudia Sheinbaum, president.”

A Sea Change for Women in Mexico

The election marked a significant moment for women in Mexico. Both front-runners were women, and Edelmira Montiel, 87, expressed her gratitude: “Before, we couldn’t even vote, and when you could, it was to vote for the person your husband told you to vote for. Thank God that has changed, and I get to live it.” Women gained the right to vote in national elections only in 1953, making Sheinbaum’s victory even more meaningful.

Despite the celebration, the campaign was marred by violent attacks. Nevertheless, Sheinbaum’s win shatters the political glass ceiling, ushering in a new era for Mexico and inspiring generations of women to come.

Claudia Sheinbaum’s presidency promises progress, continuity, and a historic moment for gender equality in Mexico. As she steps into her role, the nation watches with anticipation, hopeful for positive change under her leadership.

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