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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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Global Markets Reel as China Responds to U.S. Tariffs

 


Global financial markets faced a sharp downturn as China announced retaliatory tariffs in response to U.S. President Donald Trump's sweeping trade measures. The Chinese government imposed a 34% tariff on all U.S. imports, mirroring the rate of the U.S. tariffs introduced earlier this week. This move has intensified fears of a global trade war, sending shockwaves through stock markets worldwide.

Major indices, including the S&P/TSX in Canada, experienced significant losses, with futures dropping by 2.7% early Friday. Asian and European markets also saw steep declines, while U.S. stock futures pointed to further losses on Wall Street. The tariffs have raised concerns about a potential global recession, as industries and economies brace for the impact of escalating trade tensions.

Commodities were not spared, with oil prices hitting their lowest levels since the pandemic, and gold—a traditional safe haven—experiencing fluctuations. Economists warn that the ongoing trade conflict could lead to a contraction in global trade volumes, further straining economic growth.

The situation remains fluid, with investors and policymakers closely monitoring developments. The global economy now faces a critical juncture as the repercussions of these tariffs unfold.

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