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BoC Holds at 2.25%: What the Rate Decision (and Rising Gas Prices) Mean for Your Wallet

  Thursday, July 16, 2026 Sixth consecutive hold. A weaker 2026 growth forecast. And inflation that's running hotter because of gas prices, not the usual suspects. Here's what actually changes for you. The Bank of Canada held its overnight rate at 2.25% on Wednesday, exactly as markets expected. No surprise there. What's more interesting is why it held, and what it revealed about where the economy — and your bills — are headed next. This was the sixth straight hold since the Bank finished its easing cycle back in October. But buried in the accompanying Monetary Policy Report were a few numbers worth your attention. The Numbers That Matter Overnight Rate 2.25% (unchanged) Prime Rate (typical) 4.45% 2026 GDP Growth Forecast 0.7% (cut from 1.2%) 2027 / 2028 Growth Forecast 1.8% each year May CPI Inflation 3.2% Inflation Excluding Gasoline 2.2% Unemployment Rate (June) 6.5% Next Rate Decision September 2, 2026 Why Gas Prices Are Driving This Decision Here's the twist in th...

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Toronto’s Housing Market Plummets to a 13-Year Low Amidst Higher Mortgage Rates

 


Toronto’s housing market experienced a significant decline in 2023, with home sales dropping to a 13-year low. According to a report by the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board, the number of home sales in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) fell by 11% compared to the previous year . This decline can be attributed to the rise in mortgage rates, which made it difficult for potential buyers to afford homes.

The average home sold price in the GTA for November 2023 was $1,051,180, which is a 7% drop compared to the previous month . The report also states that the GTA housing market has been in a deep buyer’s market for the past few months, with the sales-to-new-listings ratio (SNLR) being 40% in November 2023. This means that there are comparatively more properties available for purchase than buyers in the market, giving buyers more leverage in negotiating prices and terms. However, the GTA is now once again in a balanced market, with buyers losing favour as sellers regain some control in the market .


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