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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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US Claims Russian Air Defenses Downed Azerbaijani Plane

                                         

The United States has suggested that Russian air defenses may have been responsible for the downing of an Azerbaijan Airlines plane that crashed in Kazakhstan earlier this week. The Embraer 190 aircraft, which was en route from Baku to Grozny, crashed near Aktau, killing 38 people and injuring all 29 survivors.

According to White House national security spokesman John Kirby, early indications point to the possibility that the plane was brought down by Russian air defense systems. Kirby emphasized that the U.S. has seen some evidence supporting this theory but declined to provide further details, citing an ongoing investigation.

Azerbaijan's Minister of Digital Development and Transportation, Rashad Nabiyev, also suggested that the plane was subjected to "external interference" before the crash. Survivors reported hearing loud noises and explosions while the aircraft was circling over Grozny.

The Kremlin has yet to respond to these claims, with Russian officials stating that it is premature to draw conclusions before the investigation is complete.

The incident has raised tensions between Azerbaijan and Russia, with Azerbaijan pausing flights to several Russian cities citing potential flight safety risks.

As the investigation continues, the international community awaits further clarity on the circumstances surrounding this tragic event.


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