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BoC Opens the Door to Rate Hikes: What It Means for Your Mortgage

  Published September 4, 2026 The Bank of Canada held its policy rate at 2.25% on September 2 — the seventh straight hold — but Governor Tiff Macklem didn't sound like a central banker done for the year. He told reporters the Bank is "prepared to raise interest rates, and if it takes more than one increase, we're prepared to do that," if inflation stays too high. That's a real shift in tone, and it lands right as a wave of Canadians hit their mortgage renewal date. Here's what changed, who's forecasting what, and what it actually means for your payment. Why the Bank Suddenly Sounds Hawkish Canada's annual inflation rate has climbed to around 3% — a full point above the Bank's 2% target — and the Bank is pointing squarely at energy prices. Oil has stayed elevated because of the Iran conflict and disruption near the Strait of Hormuz, pushing gas prices up and dragging headline CPI with it. Core inflation, which strips out food and energy, is still s...
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New Year's traditions: How do people celebrate the new year around the world?

 New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day are celebrated in various ways around the world. Here are some interesting traditions:

  • In Spain, it is customary to eat 12 grapes at midnight, one for each stroke of the clock, to bring good luck for the coming year.
  • In Scotland, the New Year is celebrated with a festival called Hogmanay. People swing giant fireballs on poles and parade through the streets.
  • In Denmark, people throw plates and glasses against their friends’ and neighbors’ front doors to banish bad spirits and bring good luck.
  • In Ecuador, it is tradition to burn effigies of famous people to destroy bad “juju” from the past year and start fresh.
  • In Thailand, it was once tradition to fire guns to frighten off demons.
  • In China, firecrackers are used to rout the forces of darkness.
  • In the United States, many people watch the ball drop in New York’s Times Square to ring in the new year.
  • In Canada, people often gather with friends and family to enjoy a feast and watch fireworks displays.
  • In Japan, people celebrate the new year with a traditional meal called “osechi ryori” and visit temples and shrines to pray for good fortune.

These are just a few examples of how people around the world celebrate the new year. Happy New Year! 

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