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The GST/HST Credit Has a New Name — And It's Paying 25% More

  Sunday, July 19, 2026 If you've relied on the quarterly GST/HST credit, that name is gone for good. Here's what replaced it, how much more it's worth, and whether you need to do anything to get it. For years, the GST/HST credit quietly landed in millions of Canadian bank accounts every three months — a modest, tax-free top-up meant to offset sales tax on everyday purchases. As of this month, that program no longer exists under its old name. It's now the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) , and the federal government has permanently increased the payment by 25%, locked in for five years. If you already qualified for the GST/HST credit, you don't need to apply for anything new. But you should know what changed, because the numbers — and the timeline — are more involved than a simple rename. What actually changed The CGEB was first announced by the federal government in January 2026 as part of a broader affordability push, and it became law with the passa...

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Central Banks Shift Gears: Rate Cuts on the Rise

 

In a significant shift in monetary policy, seven out of the ten major developed-market central banks have begun easing their interest rates. This move marks a notable departure from the previous trend of rate hikes aimed at curbing inflation.

Current Landscape

The central banks of the United States, Eurozone, Japan, and others have started to lower their rates, responding to a mix of slowing economic growth and easing inflation pressures. This trend underscores a growing consensus among policymakers that the global economy needs support to sustain growth.

Data Dependency

Policymakers are emphasizing a data-dependent approach, meaning future rate cuts will be closely tied to economic indicators. This cautious stance reflects the uncertainty surrounding the global economic outlook and the need to balance growth with inflation control.

Market Reactions

Financial markets have reacted positively to these rate cuts, with stock markets rallying and bond yields falling. Investors are optimistic that lower borrowing costs will stimulate economic activity and support corporate earnings.

Looking Ahead

As central banks navigate this new phase, the pace and extent of future rate cuts will be critical. Economists and traders will be watching closely for signals from policymakers about their next moves, making economic data releases more influential than ever.


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