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5 Things to Know Today: Tariffs, a CPI Surprise, and the Mortgage Rate Gap

  July 21, 2026 A new round of US tariffs, a surprise inflation dip, and a widening gap between fixed and variable mortgage rates are all moving in different directions today. Here's what's happening and what it means for your money. 1. Washington hits Canada with new 50% tariffs on everyday goods The White House has announced fresh 50% tariffs on a wide list of Canadian exports, including wine, dairy, furniture, hockey equipment, cement, and clothing. The move is framed as retaliation over Canada's dairy quotas, car import rules, and provincial bans on US alcohol. The tariffs take effect August 19 and apply even to goods that would normally qualify duty-free under CUSMA, though energy, potash, fish, and critical minerals are exempt. What it means for you: This round targets export industries, not imports into Canada, so it won't directly raise shelf prices here the way a Canadian tariff on US goods would. The bigger risk is indirect — job pressure in affected sectors ...

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Trump Administration Pushes Forward with Federal Workforce Cuts


The Trump administration is moving ahead with a significant reduction in the federal workforce, following the submission of downsizing plans by various agencies. This initiative, part of a broader effort to streamline government operations, has sparked widespread concern and debate.

Key agencies, including the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Education, are expected to see substantial layoffs, with thousands of jobs on the line. The administration's directive emphasizes cutting non-essential functions and reducing budgets, aiming to reshape the federal bureaucracy. However, these measures have faced legal challenges, with courts recently ordering the reinstatement of some dismissed employees.

The economic implications of these layoffs are also under scrutiny, as fears of a potential recession loom. Critics argue that the cuts could disrupt essential services and harm vulnerable populations, while supporters view them as a necessary step toward fiscal responsibility.

This development marks a pivotal moment in the administration's efforts to redefine the role and scope of the federal government.

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