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Washington Scales Back Regional Footprint Amid Iranian Warnings

Empty airspace over Iran, during a temporary closure of the country's airspace amid concerns about possible military action between the United States and Iran The United States has begun precautionary drawdowns at several military bases across the Middle East after Iranian officials warned neighbouring countries that American facilities could be targeted in the event of a wider conflict. The adjustments focus on relocating non‑essential personnel and reducing exposure as regional tensions continue to rise. Iran’s message to nearby states underscored its concern that any U.S. military action could spill over into the broader region. By cautioning its neighbours, Tehran signaled both its desire to deter potential strikes and its readiness to respond if provoked. U.S. officials described the moves as prudent rather than predictive, emphasizing that the drawdowns do not indicate an imminent operation. Instead, they reflect a shifting security environment in which Washington is recal...
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Bank of Canada Holds Rates Steady, Signals Pause Amid Strong Economy

 

                                            Tiff Macklem, Governor of the Bank of Canada

The Bank of Canada is widely expected to hold its benchmark interest rate at 2.25% in its final policy decision of 2025, marking the beginning of what economists believe could be an extended pause in monetary policy adjustments. After a year of multiple rate cuts aimed at supporting growth, the central bank now appears confident that the current level is sufficient to balance inflation pressures with economic resilience.

Recent data has reinforced this stance. Canada’s economy grew at an annualized pace of 2.6% in the third quarter, while the unemployment rate fell to 6.5% in November. Inflation also eased slightly, with October’s headline rate at 2.2%, down from 2.4% in September. These indicators suggest that the economy is performing better than anticipated, reducing the likelihood of further cuts in the near term.

Financial markets had already priced in a 93% chance of a rate hold, reflecting broad consensus among analysts that the Bank of Canada would step back after its easing cycle earlier this year. Governor Tiff Macklem previously signaled that rates were “at about the right level” to temper inflation without stalling growth.

The decision also comes as the U.S. Federal Reserve prepares its own rate announcement, underscoring the interconnectedness of North American monetary policy. While the Fed is expected to continue easing, Canada’s stronger-than-expected data has shifted speculation toward whether the next move could eventually be a hike rather than another cut.

This pause marks a turning point in 2025’s monetary policy trajectory. Having lowered rates four times earlier in the year, the Bank of Canada now appears set to hold steady into 2026, giving policymakers time to assess whether inflation remains contained and growth sustainable.

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