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Canada's Economy Just Grew 3.3% — Here's Why That Makes a September Rate Cut Even Less Likely

  Published August 29, 2026 If you've been holding out hope that a slowing economy might finally push the Bank of Canada toward a rate cut, Friday's numbers just closed that door a little further. Statistics Canada reported that the Canadian economy grew at an annualized pace of 3.3% in the second quarter — the fastest rate since 2023 — and revised figures show the first quarter expanded 0.3% rather than shrinking as originally reported. That confirms Canada never actually slid into a technical recession this year. It's good news for the economy. It's less good news if you were counting on lower borrowing costs anytime soon. What actually drove the growth The rebound was broad-based. Exports posted their strongest performance in 39 months, business investment in factories, equipment and commercial real estate jumped, and consumer spending held up as well. On a per-person basis, output grew at a 3.8% annualized clip — the quickest pace since late 2021, even with Canada...

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Beijing Promises Countermeasures as U.S. Tariffs Escalate Global Economic Tensions

 

Beijing has vowed to respond with decisive countermeasures following U.S. President Donald Trump’s latest round of tariffs on Chinese imports, further deepening an already strained trade relationship. In a statement released by China’s Ministry of Commerce, the government condemned the tariffs as “unilateral” measures that violate established World Trade Organization rules and exacerbate economic stress. Beijing announced that it would file a formal complaint with the WTO and take “corresponding countermeasures” to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests .

Trump’s administration justified the new tariffs as a necessary response to alleged unfair trade practices, including claims that China was insufficiently curbing the flow of fentanyl precursors and other issues tied to intellectual property theft. While U.S. officials argue that these measures are essential to protect American industries and rebalance the trade deficit, critics warn that the tariffs risk further destabilizing global supply chains and could lead to higher prices for consumers .

Although China’s statement did not detail the specific retaliatory actions it might take, analysts predict that Beijing’s response could target a wide range of U.S. exports—from electronics to agricultural products—potentially igniting a broader trade dispute. The escalating tit-for-tat actions have already raised concerns among market observers that ongoing tensions may not only impact bilateral trade but could also have far-reaching implications for the global economy.

As both superpowers brace for potential further escalation, experts emphasize the urgent need for renewed dialogue to de-escalate tensions and work toward a mutually beneficial resolution .


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