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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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Israel Approves Ceasefire Deal with Gaza, Hostages to be Released

 

In a significant move towards peace, Israel’s security cabinet has approved a ceasefire deal with Hamas, paving the way for the release of dozens of hostages held in Gaza. The agreement, which is expected to take effect as early as Sunday, aims to halt the 15-month-long conflict that has caused widespread devastation in Gaza.

Under the terms of the deal, Hamas will release 33 Israeli hostages, including women, children, and elderly men, in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. The ceasefire is set to begin with a six-week phase, during which Israeli forces will withdraw from several areas, allowing hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to return to their homes.

The approval of the ceasefire deal comes after intense negotiations and last-minute complications. Despite opposition from hardliners within Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition, the deal was ultimately approved by the security cabinet and is now awaiting final approval from the full cabinet.

The ceasefire and hostage release are seen as a crucial step towards easing hostilities in the region and providing much-needed humanitarian relief to the people of Gaza. The international community has welcomed the agreement, hoping it will lead to a lasting peace in the Middle East.




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