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5 Things to Know Today: BoC Holds, Housing Forecast Cut, Fixed-Rate Squeeze (July 17, 2026)

  July 17, 2026 Rates held, home sales forecasts got trimmed again, and fixed-rate mortgage shoppers are feeling the pinch of a wider gap versus variable. Here's what actually moves your money today. 1. The Bank of Canada held its rate at 2.25% — for the sixth straight time The central bank kept its overnight rate unchanged on Wednesday, exactly as economists expected, while trimming its 2026 growth outlook. Policymakers flagged that inflation is gradually cooling but said lingering geopolitical risk and U.S. trade uncertainty keep them cautious about moving in either direction. The next scheduled decision is September 2. What it means for you: Prime rate stays at 4.45%, so variable mortgages, HELOCs, and lines of credit don't move this month. If you're on a variable rate, your payment is unchanged. Savings account and GIC rates aren't likely to shift much either. 2. CREA cut its 2026 home sales forecast again — now expecting a decline The Canadian Real Estate Associat...

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Massive Fish Die-Off Strikes Greek Tourist Port

 

In a shocking environmental event, the picturesque port city of Volos in central Greece has been inundated with thousands of dead fish. The mass die-off, which has left the waters and shores littered with rotting fish, is believed to be a consequence of recent extreme weather fluctuations.

Authorities have reported that over 100 tons of dead fish have been collected from the port and surrounding areas. The fish, primarily freshwater species, were displaced from their natural habitats by severe flooding and subsequently exposed to the salty waters of the port, leading to their demise.

The sight and stench of the decaying fish have dealt a significant blow to the local tourism industry, which relies heavily on the pristine condition of its coastal waters. Cleanup efforts are underway, with officials working tirelessly to restore the area to its former beauty.

Scientists have linked this environmental disaster to the broader impacts of climate change, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable practices to mitigate such occurrences in the future.


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