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The Fed Decides Wednesday — Here's What It Means for Your Mortgage, the Loonie, and Your RRSP

  Monday, July 27, 2026 The U.S. Federal Reserve hands down its rate decision at 2 p.m. ET on July 29. For most Canadians it will feel like background noise. It isn't — here's the plain-language version of why it touches your mortgage, your cross-border spending, and whatever's sitting in your RRSP. The short version: Markets are pricing roughly a two-in-three chance the Fed holds its rate at 3.50%–3.75% on Wednesday. That's not the story. The story is that this is one of the least certain "sure thing" holds in years — and Chair Kevin Warsh's press conference at 2:30 p.m. ET could matter more than the decision itself. Why this meeting is different The Fed has held its benchmark rate steady at 3.50%–3.75% through every meeting so far in 2026. On paper, Wednesday should be more of the same. Under the hood, it's messier. Persistent inflation, running well above the Fed's 2% target for a fifth straight year, has kept a rate hike on the table. The oil-...

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Smog Crisis in India: Taj Mahal Shrouded, Flights Delayed





A thick blanket of toxic smog has enveloped northern India, severely impacting visibility and air quality. The iconic Taj Mahal in Agra, a symbol of love and architectural marvel, has been obscured by the dense haze, leaving visitors disappointed. The Golden Temple in Amritsar, another significant landmark, has also been affected.

The smog, caused by a combination of high pollution levels, humidity, and stagnant winds, has led to significant disruptions in daily life. Delhi’s air quality index (AQI) has been recorded in the ‘severe’ category, with visibility dropping to just 300 meters at the city’s international airport. This has resulted in numerous flight delays, with 88% of departures and 54% of arrivals affected.

Health concerns are rising as hospitals report an increase in patients, particularly children, suffering from respiratory issues such as allergies, coughs, and asthma attacks. The situation is exacerbated by the illegal burning of crop residues in the farming states of Punjab and Haryana, contributing to the already hazardous air quality.

Authorities are urging residents to stay indoors and use air purifiers if possible. The smog is expected to persist, with slight improvements anticipated in the coming days as weather conditions change.


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