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Why Interest Rates Matter for Canadians

Interest rates are the single most powerful lever in Canada's economy.  When the Bank of Canada adjusts its policy rate, the effects reach every household—from the cost of carrying a mortgage to the return on a savings account. With rates currently at 2.25% and significant uncertainty ahead, understanding how rates work has never been more important for your finances. What Is the Bank of Canada's Policy Rate? The Bank of Canada sets the overnight policy rate—the interest rate at which major banks lend money to each other. This rate serves as a benchmark that influences borrowing and lending costs across the entire economy. When the Bank raises or lowers this rate, commercial banks adjust their prime rates accordingly, which directly affects the rates you pay on mortgages, lines of credit, and other loans. The Bank's primary goal is to keep inflation near its 2% target. When inflation runs too hot, the Bank raises rates to cool spending. When the economy slows, it cuts rates...

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Russia Rejects Trump's Ukraine Peace Proposals

In a significant diplomatic development, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has rejected the peace proposals floated by President-elect Donald Trump's allies to end the ongoing war in Ukraine. Lavrov stated that Moscow has not received any official signals regarding a settlement in Ukraine but expressed dissatisfaction with the unofficial ideas being circulated. 

The proposals reportedly included delaying Ukraine's NATO membership for 20 years and stationing British and European peacekeeping forces in Ukraine. Lavrov emphasized the need for reliable and legally binding agreements that address the root causes of the conflict and prevent future violations. 

Trump, who campaigned on ending the war by the time he takes office, has not officially released any proposals to end the conflict. However, he has claimed that he could end the war within 24 hours of taking office. Despite these claims, Lavrov expressed skepticism about Trump's ability to restore ties between Russia and the U.S., citing the current bipartisan consensus on deterring Russia.

The rejection of these proposals marks a setback for Trump's hopes to freeze the conflict and highlights the complexities of achieving a lasting peace in the region.



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