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Why Interest Rates Matter for Canadians

Interest rates are the single most powerful lever in Canada's economy.  When the Bank of Canada adjusts its policy rate, the effects reach every household—from the cost of carrying a mortgage to the return on a savings account. With rates currently at 2.25% and significant uncertainty ahead, understanding how rates work has never been more important for your finances. What Is the Bank of Canada's Policy Rate? The Bank of Canada sets the overnight policy rate—the interest rate at which major banks lend money to each other. This rate serves as a benchmark that influences borrowing and lending costs across the entire economy. When the Bank raises or lowers this rate, commercial banks adjust their prime rates accordingly, which directly affects the rates you pay on mortgages, lines of credit, and other loans. The Bank's primary goal is to keep inflation near its 2% target. When inflation runs too hot, the Bank raises rates to cool spending. When the economy slows, it cuts rates...

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U.S. Imposes 50% Tariffs on Canadian Steel and Aluminum Amid Trade Tensions

In a significant escalation of trade tensions, U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a 50% tariff on all steel and aluminum imports from Canada, effective midnight. This decision doubles the previously threatened 25% tariff and comes in response to Ontario's recent imposition of a 25% surcharge on electricity exports to the United States.

The move has sparked concerns about its potential impact on both economies. Canadian officials have expressed dismay, warning of retaliatory measures, while U.S. manufacturers and consumers brace for higher costs. President Trump has also hinted at further tariffs on Canadian automobiles if the dispute remains unresolved.

This development marks a new chapter in the ongoing trade disputes between the two nations, with significant implications for industries and markets on both sides of the border.

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