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Bank of Canada Holds at 2.25% — What the Fine Print Means for You

  July 15, 2026  |  Canadian Money Brief The Bank of Canada held its policy rate at 2.25% today, exactly as every economist surveyed expected. The number didn't move — but the story underneath it did. Between renewed oil-market chaos, a stubbornly hot inflation reading, and an economy that's finally showing signs of life, this "boring" hold decision was anything but simple. If you've been following our preview piece from earlier this week , this is the follow-up: what actually happened, and what it means for your mortgage, your savings, and your grocery bill. The Decision, in Plain English This marks the sixth consecutive hold since the Bank's last cut back in October 2025. The overnight rate stays at 2.25%, the Bank Rate at 2.5%, and the deposit rate at 2.20%. Bank prime — the number that actually determines your variable mortgage or line of credit rate — stays put at 4.45%. Governor Tiff Macklem has described this level as sitting near the bottom of the Bank...

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China Retaliates Against U.S. Tariffs with Agricultural Countermeasures

 

In a significant escalation of trade tensions, China has announced retaliatory tariffs on a range of U.S. agricultural products. This move comes in response to the United States' decision to increase tariffs on Chinese imports. The newly imposed Chinese tariffs, set to take effect on March 10, will target key American exports, including soybeans, pork, beef, and poultry, with additional duties ranging from 10% to 15%.

The agricultural sector, a cornerstone of U.S. exports to China, is expected to feel the brunt of these measures. Soybeans, the largest U.S. agricultural export to China, will face a 10% tariff, potentially disrupting a trade flow valued at nearly $13 billion annually. Other affected products include wheat, corn, cotton, and various dairy and seafood items.

China's actions highlight its strategic approach to diversifying its agricultural imports, with increased reliance on suppliers from South America and other regions. This development underscores the growing economic friction between the world's two largest economies, with both sides showing no signs of backing down.


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