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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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Russia's Conditions for US Talks on Ukraine: A Path to Diplomacy?

 

Russia has recently outlined its demands for potential negotiations with the United States regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. According to sources, Moscow has presented a list of conditions aimed at ending the war and resetting relations with Washington. These demands include barring Ukraine from NATO membership, prohibiting the deployment of foreign troops in Ukraine, and recognizing Russia's claims over Crimea and four Ukrainian provinces.

The discussions between Russian and American officials reportedly took place over the past three weeks, both in-person and virtually. While the exact details of the demands remain unclear, they are said to align with Russia's long-standing positions on NATO's eastward expansion and the "root causes" of the conflict.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed openness to a 30-day ceasefire as a preliminary step toward broader peace talks. However, concerns persist among U.S. officials and experts that Russia might use such a truce to further its strategic objectives.

The situation remains fluid, with both sides exploring the possibility of diplomacy while navigating complex geopolitical dynamics. Whether these talks will lead to a resolution or further entrench existing divisions remains to be seen.

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