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Bank of Canada Holds Steady Amid Trade Turbulence

  The Bank of Canada has opted to maintain its key interest rate, signaling a cautious approach as uncertainty swirls around international tariffs and trade relations. This move keeps the benchmark rate unchanged, offering a stabilizing signal to markets while leaving room for potential rate cuts in the months ahead. The decision reflects concerns over economic fragility, particularly as Canadian exporters face mounting pressure from shifting global trade dynamics. While inflation has shown signs of easing, policymakers remain wary of unpredictable external shocks that could weigh on domestic growth. Governor Tiff Macklem indicated that future rate adjustments are not off the table, especially if trade tensions escalate or if inflation continues to track below target. Analysts interpret the Bank's message as a strategic pause rather than a pivot, allowing for flexibility in a volatile economic climate. For Canadian households and businesses, the move offers short-term reassuran...
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NATO Commits to Historic Defence Spending Hike Amid Trump’s Reassurances

At the 2025 NATO Summit in The Hague, member nations agreed to a sweeping increase in defence spending, endorsing a new target of 5% of GDP—a dramatic leap from the previous 2% benchmark. The move comes amid growing security concerns in Europe and persistent pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has long criticized allies for underinvesting in collective defence.

Trump struck a notably reassuring tone at the summit, affirming the United States’ commitment to NATO’s mutual defence clause, Article 5. “We’re with them all the way,” he said, addressing concerns sparked by his earlier remarks suggesting there were “numerous definitions” of the clause.

The new spending framework divides the 5% target into 3.5% for core defence—such as troops and weapons—and 1.5% for broader security measures like cyber defence and infrastructure upgrades. While all NATO members backed the statement, Spain voiced reservations about meeting the full target, prompting a diplomatic compromise to maintain unity.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte emphasized the urgency of the shift, citing threats from Russia and global instability. “There is absolute conviction… that, given this threat from the Russians, given the international security situation, there is no alternative,” he stated.

The summit also saw Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy meet separately with Trump, underscoring NATO’s continued support for Ukraine amid its ongoing conflict with Russia.

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