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BoC Holds at 2.25%: What the Rate Decision (and Rising Gas Prices) Mean for Your Wallet

  Thursday, July 16, 2026 Sixth consecutive hold. A weaker 2026 growth forecast. And inflation that's running hotter because of gas prices, not the usual suspects. Here's what actually changes for you. The Bank of Canada held its overnight rate at 2.25% on Wednesday, exactly as markets expected. No surprise there. What's more interesting is why it held, and what it revealed about where the economy — and your bills — are headed next. This was the sixth straight hold since the Bank finished its easing cycle back in October. But buried in the accompanying Monetary Policy Report were a few numbers worth your attention. The Numbers That Matter Overnight Rate 2.25% (unchanged) Prime Rate (typical) 4.45% 2026 GDP Growth Forecast 0.7% (cut from 1.2%) 2027 / 2028 Growth Forecast 1.8% each year May CPI Inflation 3.2% Inflation Excluding Gasoline 2.2% Unemployment Rate (June) 6.5% Next Rate Decision September 2, 2026 Why Gas Prices Are Driving This Decision Here's the twist in th...

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Thousands of Syrians Begin Journey Home from Turkey

 

Hundreds of Syrian refugees gathered at the Cilvegozu and Oncupinar border crossings in southern Turkey on Monday, eagerly awaiting their return home following the fall of President Bashar Assad’s government. Many arrived at the border gates at daybreak, wrapped in blankets and coats, some even setting up makeshift fires to keep warm.

Among the crowd was 28-year-old Muhammed Zin, who fled Damascus in 2016 and has been living in Istanbul. “Assad was shooting us, killing us,” he told the Associated Press. “I will return to Syria now. Thank God, the war is over,” he said.

Seer Ali, 18, who left Damascus six years ago, expressed similar sentiments. “We are very happy, very happy. Not just me, but everyone, all of us Syrians here are very happy,” he said. “Everyone will return, no one will stay here. They will all go to their families.”

Turkish officials have not disclosed the exact number of Syrians who have returned since Assad’s downfall. Authorities have set up checkpoints to ensure only those with proper documentation can advance to the border gate. The fall of Assad has sparked widespread joy among Turkey’s three million Syrian refugees, many of whom have taken to the streets to celebrate.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated, “We will continue our efforts to ensure the safe and voluntary return of Syrians and to rebuild the country.”

As the first major wave of refugees begins their journey home, the future remains uncertain, but hope and excitement fill the air.




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