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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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Rebels Break Through Defenses in Hama; Army Claims Hold on Key Areas

 

 In a dramatic turn of events, Syrian rebels have reportedly made significant advances into the central city of Hama, claiming to have breached government defenses and entered the city from multiple sides. The Syrian army, however, maintains that its defenses are holding in crucial areas despite the intense fighting.

The rebel forces, led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), launched a surprise offensive last week, capturing Aleppo and now pushing into Hama. The Syrian military has stated that it redeployed troops outside the city to protect civilians and avoid urban combat.

The situation remains fluid, with both sides reporting ongoing clashes. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights has reported that over 700 people have been killed since the start of the rebel offensive. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, with concerns rising over the potential for further escalation.

As the conflict unfolds, the fate of Hama hangs in the balance, with significant implications for the broader Syrian civil war.




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