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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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Hostages Set for Release Amid Gaza Ceasefire

 

Palestinian militant groups in Gaza have announced the release of three hostages on Saturday, in accordance with the terms of the ceasefire agreement with Israel. The hostages named for release are Iair Horn, U.S.-Israeli Sagui Dekel-Chen, and Russian-Israeli Alexandre Sasha Troufanov.

The announcement follows intense mediation efforts by Egyptian and Qatari officials to maintain the ceasefire, which has been under threat due to accusations of violations from both sides. The ceasefire, which began on January 19, 2025, was intended to facilitate the exchange of hostages and prisoners, as well as the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.

Hamas had previously threatened to halt the release of hostages, accusing Israel of blocking aid deliveries into Gaza. In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump warned that the ceasefire would be canceled if the hostages were not released.

The release of the three hostages is part of a larger agreement that includes the exchange of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and detainees. The ceasefire aims to pave the way for further negotiations to secure the release of remaining hostages and to rebuild Gaza after 15 months of devastating conflict.

The situation remains tense, with both sides accusing each other of breaching the agreement. However, the release of these hostages is seen as a positive step towards maintaining the fragile ceasefire and moving towards a more stable and peaceful resolution.


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