Skip to main content

Featured

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...
Post a Comment
Read more

article

Labels

History in the Making: Botswana Unearths 2,492-Carat Diamond

 

In a remarkable discovery, Botswana has unearthed the largest diamond found in over a century. The colossal 2,492-carat stone was recently revealed at a viewing ceremony in Gaborone, the country’s capital. This extraordinary find, weighing approximately half a kilogram, marks a historic moment for Botswana and the diamond industry.

The as-yet-unnamed diamond was presented to the world by Botswana’s President, Mokgweetsi Masisi. His awe-struck reaction—“It is overwhelming. I am lucky to have seen it in my time”—captures the significance of this remarkable gem. Senior government officials were equally amazed, gathering to take a closer look at the fist-sized wonder.

The diamond was recovered from the Karowe Mine in central Botswana by Lucara Diamond Corp., a Canadian mining company. Using advanced X-ray technology, Lucara identified this “exceptional” rough diamond, which remains intact and of high quality. While its value is yet to be determined, it already holds a place in history as the largest diamond found in 119 years.

For context, the famous Cullinan Diamond, discovered in South Africa in 1905, weighed 3,106 carats and was cut into gems that now adorn the British Crown Jewels. Botswana, known for its natural diamond production, continues to make headlines with its remarkable finds. As the second-biggest producer of natural diamonds globally, the country has consistently unearthed some of the world’s most significant stones. 

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment