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The Rate Cuts Are Over — Is a Hike Coming?

  July 23, 2026 Oil shocks, sticky inflation and a technical recession are pulling the Bank of Canada in opposite directions at once. For most of the past two years, the only question about the Bank of Canada was how far and how fast it would cut. The overnight rate fell from 5.00% to 2.25% between June 2024 and October 2025, one of the sharpest easing cycles in the Bank's history, and it has held there through six consecutive decisions since. That story is now over. The question on the table for the rest of 2026 isn't whether the Bank cuts again — it's whether the next move is actually a hike. Two conflicting signals, one Bank The case for staying put — or even cutting — comes from the growth side of the ledger. Statistics Canada data showed the economy contracted in both the fourth quarter of 2025 and the first quarter of 2026, meeting the informal definition of a technical recession. That was enough to have some economists warning the Bank had no room to raise rates at a...

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Stock Market Today: World Shares Mostly Advance After Wall St Comeback from Worst Loss Since 2022

Shares were mostly higher in Asia and Europe on Friday following a patchy comeback by Wall Street from its worst loss since 2022. Here are the key highlights:

  • Asia:
    • Tokyo: The Nikkei 225 index initially gained but later slipped 0.5% to 37,667.41. Tokyo’s core consumer price index rose 2.2% in July, adding to expectations that the Bank of Japan may raise its near-zero benchmark interest rate.
    • Hong Kong: The Hang Seng edged 0.2% higher.
    • Shanghai: The Composite index edged 0.1% lower.
    • Seoul: The Kospi surged 0.9%.
    • Taiwan: The Taiex sank 3.3% after reopening following a typhoon-related closure.
  • Europe:
    • Germany: The DAX edged 0.2% higher.
    • France: The CAC 40 rose 0.8%.
  • U.S. Futures and Oil Prices:
    • U.S. futures and oil prices also saw gains.

The split performance on Wall Street saw general stocks and other previously downtrodden areas rise, while Big Tech stocks gave back some of their recent gains. Overall, markets remain volatile, influenced by global economic conditions and investor sentiment.

Remember to stay informed and consider professional advice when making investment decisions. 


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