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5 Things to Know Today: Tariffs, a CPI Surprise, and the Mortgage Rate Gap

  July 21, 2026 A new round of US tariffs, a surprise inflation dip, and a widening gap between fixed and variable mortgage rates are all moving in different directions today. Here's what's happening and what it means for your money. 1. Washington hits Canada with new 50% tariffs on everyday goods The White House has announced fresh 50% tariffs on a wide list of Canadian exports, including wine, dairy, furniture, hockey equipment, cement, and clothing. The move is framed as retaliation over Canada's dairy quotas, car import rules, and provincial bans on US alcohol. The tariffs take effect August 19 and apply even to goods that would normally qualify duty-free under CUSMA, though energy, potash, fish, and critical minerals are exempt. What it means for you: This round targets export industries, not imports into Canada, so it won't directly raise shelf prices here the way a Canadian tariff on US goods would. The bigger risk is indirect — job pressure in affected sectors ...

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S&P 500 Surpasses 6,000 Mark Amid Trump and Fed-Driven Surge

 

In a historic milestone, the S&P 500 index has broken through the 6,000-point barrier for the first time. This remarkable achievement comes on the heels of Donald Trump’s re-election and a series of favorable economic policies anticipated from a Republican-controlled Congress. The Federal Reserve’s recent decision to cut interest rates by 25 basis points has further fueled investor optimism, propelling the market to new heights.

The rally, which has seen the S&P 500 post its best week in nearly a year, is driven by expectations of business-friendly policies, including tax cuts and deregulation, which are expected to boost corporate profits. Investors are also buoyed by the Fed’s commitment to maintaining a supportive monetary policy environment.

Market analysts suggest that the 6,000 mark is a psychologically significant milestone that could attract more investment into equities, as there remains substantial capital on the sidelines in money market funds and bonds. The combination of strong earnings, economic growth, and the so-called “Fed put” is expected to continue driving the market higher in the medium term.

However, there are concerns about potential inflationary pressures from Trump’s expansive fiscal policies and proposed tariff hikes, which could complicate the Federal Reserve’s path forward. Despite these uncertainties, the immediate market reaction has been overwhelmingly positive, with all major indexes closing at record highs.

As investors celebrate this landmark achievement, the focus will now shift to how the new administration’s policies will unfold and their long-term impact on the economy and financial markets.


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