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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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Tech Relief: U.S. Exempts Electronics from Latest Tariffs

In a significant move, the U.S. government has decided to exempt smartphones, computers, and other electronics from its latest round of tariffs. This decision, announced by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, provides much-needed relief to major technology firms like Apple and Dell Technologies, as well as chip manufacturers such as Nvidia.

The exemptions cover 20 product categories, including laptops, hard drives, memory chips, and flat-panel monitors. These items, primarily imported from China, will no longer be subject to the steep 125% reciprocal tariffs or the 10% baseline tariffs on imports from other countries. This move is expected to ease the financial burden on consumers and tech companies alike, especially as many of these products are not manufactured domestically.

Analysts have hailed the decision as a positive step for the tech industry, which has been grappling with uncertainties due to ongoing trade tensions. Dan Ives, a Wedbush Securities analyst, described the announcement as "bullish news" for tech investors. 

The exemptions reflect an awareness of the potential impact of tariffs on inflation-weary consumers and the broader economy. While the trade war between the U.S. and China continues, this decision offers a temporary reprieve for the tech sector. 



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