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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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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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