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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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Trump Reiterates 100% Tariffs Threat to Dissuade BRICS Nations from Replacing U.S. Dollar

In a recent statement on Truth Social, President Donald Trump renewed his threat to impose 100% tariffs on BRICS nations if they attempt to replace the U.S. dollar as the global reserve currency. The BRICS alliance, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, along with newer members such as Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates, has been exploring alternatives to the U.S. dollar in international trade.

Trump's warning comes amid growing frustration among BRICS nations over America's control of the global financial system. He demanded a firm commitment from these countries to cease any attempts to create a new currency or back existing currencies in competition with the U.S. dollar. Failure to comply, he warned, would result in severe consequences, including the imposition of 100% tariffs on goods imported from these countries and the end of their access to the U.S. market.

The U.S. dollar remains the dominant currency in global trade, but members of the BRICS alliance argue that America's control over the financial system is increasingly problematic. Russian President Vladimir Putin has accused the U.S. of "weaponizing" the dollar and has expressed the need for alternatives. The BRICS alliance, established in 2009, aims to challenge the world order dominated by the United States and its Western allies.

Trump's renewed threat underscores the ongoing tensions between the U.S. and the BRICS nations as they seek to assert their economic independence and reduce reliance on the U.S. dollar.


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