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5 Things to Know Today: July 29, 2026

  Wednesday, July 29, 2026 A fresh Iran missile attack has oil swinging again, the TSX just set another record, the Fed decides this afternoon, Microsoft and Meta report tonight, and your CPP deposit lands today. Here's what it means for your wallet. 1. Your CPP payment lands today Wednesday, July 29 is a Canada Pension Plan deposit day — the seventh of twelve scheduled payments this year and the last one before the August cycle. If you're collecting the maximum retirement pension starting at 65, you'll see $1,507.65 land in your account. The average new beneficiary starting at 65 receives $877.01 . Your amount will match what you received in June: CPP is indexed only once a year, in January (this year's bump was 2.0%), so there's no mid-year change. The next adjustment arrives with the January 2027 deposit. What it means for you: If your deposit is smaller than expected, it's almost always something individual — an early-start reduction, tax withholding, or a...

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French Left Wants to Govern, but Centrists Assert Their Role

 

Following Sunday’s legislative election, France’s left-wing leaders find themselves in a precarious position. The New Popular Front (NFP), a coalition of left-leaning parties, secured the most seats in the National Assembly but fell short of an absolute majority by about 100 seats. President Emmanuel Macron’s centrists came second, and the far-right National Rally third.

The Dilemma

The unexpected election outcome has plunged France into uncertainty just before the Paris Olympics. With no clear path to a stable government, the NFP faces the challenge of governing without a majority. Jean-Luc Melenchon, leader of the hard-left France Unbowed, insists that the NFP should fully implement its program, which includes raising the minimum wage, lowering the retirement age, and capping prices for essential goods. He rejects the idea of forming a coalition with parties outside the NFP, emphasizing the need to stay true to their principles.

Centrists’ Perspective

Centrists, however, argue that the NFP cannot govern effectively without support from their own parliamentary bloc. Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne, leader of Macron’s Renaissance party, suggests that the NFP should break up, allowing its more moderate elements to form a broader coalition. Their red lines include support for the EU, fighting racism and antisemitism, transitioning to a green economy, and maintaining France’s appeal as an investment destination.

Uncertain Path Ahead

As NFP leaders meet behind closed doors to decide on a prime minister and governing strategy, France remains in political turmoil. The challenge lies in balancing the left’s ambitions with the centrists’ demands, all while navigating a fragmented parliament.


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