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Why Interest Rates Matter for Canadians

Interest rates are the single most powerful lever in Canada's economy.  When the Bank of Canada adjusts its policy rate, the effects reach every household—from the cost of carrying a mortgage to the return on a savings account. With rates currently at 2.25% and significant uncertainty ahead, understanding how rates work has never been more important for your finances. What Is the Bank of Canada's Policy Rate? The Bank of Canada sets the overnight policy rate—the interest rate at which major banks lend money to each other. This rate serves as a benchmark that influences borrowing and lending costs across the entire economy. When the Bank raises or lowers this rate, commercial banks adjust their prime rates accordingly, which directly affects the rates you pay on mortgages, lines of credit, and other loans. The Bank's primary goal is to keep inflation near its 2% target. When inflation runs too hot, the Bank raises rates to cool spending. When the economy slows, it cuts rates...
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Dow Set to Build on Rally as Major Week for Markets Begins

 

The Dow Jones Industrial Average is poised to continue its upward momentum as a significant week for the markets kicks off. U.S. stock futures rose on Monday, with Dow futures up approximately 0.4%, following a surge of over 650 points last week. S&P 500 futures and Nasdaq 100 futures also showed gains of 0.4% and 0.6%, respectively.

Investors are gearing up for a busy week filled with key events, including a Federal Reserve rate decision, the July nonfarm payrolls report, and earnings reports from major tech companies like Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, and Meta. The market’s recent rally was bolstered by a promising inflation reading, which has strengthened bets for future interest-rate cuts.

Despite the positive outlook, the market remains cautious after a volatile period marked by a significant tech sell-off. The Federal Reserve is expected to hold off on any rate changes at its meeting on Wednesday, with many analysts predicting that any action will be delayed until September. The upcoming jobs report on Friday is anticipated to reveal potential weaknesses in the labor market, which could influence the timing and extent of future rate cuts.

As investors await these crucial updates, over 150 members of the S&P 500 are set to release their quarterly results, starting with McDonald’s on Monday. This week promises to be a pivotal one for the markets, with potential surprises that could test the resilience of the current rally.


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