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Why Interest Rates Matter for Canadians

Interest rates are the single most powerful lever in Canada's economy.  When the Bank of Canada adjusts its policy rate, the effects reach every household—from the cost of carrying a mortgage to the return on a savings account. With rates currently at 2.25% and significant uncertainty ahead, understanding how rates work has never been more important for your finances. What Is the Bank of Canada's Policy Rate? The Bank of Canada sets the overnight policy rate—the interest rate at which major banks lend money to each other. This rate serves as a benchmark that influences borrowing and lending costs across the entire economy. When the Bank raises or lowers this rate, commercial banks adjust their prime rates accordingly, which directly affects the rates you pay on mortgages, lines of credit, and other loans. The Bank's primary goal is to keep inflation near its 2% target. When inflation runs too hot, the Bank raises rates to cool spending. When the economy slows, it cuts rates...
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Russia Open to Ukraine Peace Talks if Trump Initiates Them, Envoy Says

In a recent statement, Russia has expressed its openness to engage in peace talks to end the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, provided that the initiative comes from U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. Gennady Gatilov, Russia's ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva, emphasized that any negotiations would need to be grounded in the current realities of Russian advances.

Trump has been vocal about his criticism of the extensive Western aid provided to Kyiv and has promised to swiftly end the conflict, although he has not detailed his approach. His victory in the November 5 presidential election has raised concerns in Kyiv and other European capitals about the future level of U.S. support for Ukraine.

Gatilov acknowledged that while Russia welcomes the prospect of Trump initiating the political process, he remains realistic about the challenges ahead. He noted that any peace talks must reflect the situation on the ground, where Russian forces have made significant advances.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has consistently maintained that peace can only be achieved once all Russian forces are expelled and all territories, including Crimea, are returned to Ukraine. He has warned that any concessions to Russia would be unacceptable for Ukraine and detrimental to European security.

As the world watches closely, the potential for new dialogue between Russia and the United States under Trump's leadership presents a complex and uncertain path forward for the conflict in Ukraine.

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