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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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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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