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Italy Advances Tougher Measures on Migrant Arrivals

ILE PHOTO: Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni attends a bilateral meeting with U.S. Vice President JD Vance (not pictured), during his visit to the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, February 6, 2026.  Italy’s government has approved a new migration bill that would grant authorities the power to impose temporary naval blockades during periods of intense pressure on the country’s borders. The proposal, backed by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, is designed to curb irregular sea crossings by restricting access to Italian territorial waters. The draft law would allow officials to bar vessels from entering for up to 30 days, with the option to extend the measure to six months if national security or public order is deemed at risk. The plan also strengthens border surveillance, increases penalties for human smuggling, and expands the list of offenses that can lead to deportation. Supporters argue the move is necessary to manage migration flows more effectively, whi...

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Bank of Canada's Rate Cuts: The Diminishing Appeal of Cash Investments

As the Bank of Canada continues to slash interest rates, the traditional appeal of holding cash in your investment portfolio is rapidly diminishing. With the latest rate cut bringing the benchmark rate down to 3.25%, the returns on cash deposits are becoming increasingly unattractive compared to other investment options.

In a low-interest-rate environment, cash holdings yield minimal returns, failing to keep pace with inflation. This erosion of purchasing power means that investors are better off exploring alternative assets that offer higher potential returns. Equities, for instance, can provide capital appreciation and dividends, while bonds, especially those with longer durations, can offer more attractive yields.

Moreover, the Bank of Canada's indication of a slower pace of future rate cuts suggests that the window for higher interest rates on cash deposits may remain narrow for some time. Investors should consider diversifying their portfolios to include a mix of growth-oriented and income-generating assets to mitigate the impact of low interest rates.

In conclusion, while cash is essential for liquidity and risk management, relying too heavily on it in the current economic climate can hinder overall portfolio performance. It's time to reassess your investment strategy and consider opportunities that can better withstand the challenges posed by persistently low interest rates.




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