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Canada’s Inflation Climbs to 2.4% as Gas Prices Surge to Record High

  Canada’s inflation rate accelerated to 2.4% in March , up from 1.8% in February, as the Iran war triggered the largest monthly gasoline price increase on record . Statistics Canada reported that gas prices surged 21.2% month‑over‑month , a supply‑shock response to Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz and broader Middle East instability.  Energy costs were the dominant driver of March inflation, with overall energy prices rising 3.9% year‑over‑year after a sharp decline the month before. Excluding gasoline, inflation would have eased to 2.2% , highlighting how concentrated the price shock was.  Food inflation offered mixed relief: grocery prices rose 4.4% , while fresh vegetables jumped 7.8% due to difficult growing conditions. Restaurant inflation cooled sharply as last year’s tax‑holiday distortions fell out of the annual comparison.  Economists note that while headline inflation spiked, core measures remained relatively tame , giving the Bank of Canada ro...
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Bank of Canada Freezes Rates as Trump’s Tariff Threat Looms Over Economy

Bank of Canada Holds Rates Steady Amid Tariff Turmoil

In a widely anticipated move, the Bank of Canada has opted to maintain its benchmark interest rate at 2.75% for the third consecutive time, as trade tensions with the United States intensify ahead of an August 1 tariff deadline.

Economists had unanimously predicted the hold, citing mixed economic signals: while employment remains strong, core inflation continues to hover above the Bank’s target. Governor Tiff Macklem emphasized that monetary policy cannot offset the impact of prolonged trade conflicts, reiterating the Bank’s commitment to price stability for Canadians.

The decision comes as President Trump threatens sweeping tariffs on Canadian goods, including a potential 35% blanket rate and sector-specific levies on steel, aluminum, and autos. These measures have injected uncertainty into business planning and consumer confidence, with many firms scaling back hiring and investment.

Despite the hold, analysts warn that further rate cuts may be on the horizon if trade disruptions deepen. The Bank’s cautious stance reflects a wait-and-see approach, balancing inflation risks with economic fragility.


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