In this week's energy industry analysis, we take a look at the energy market implications of unrest in Kazakhstan, a strong outlook for Canada's 2022 oil production and the continued importance of environmental, social and governance issues in the energy transition. Turbulence in global markets Unrest ... READ MORE >
RSM Canada Supply Chain Index shows continued strain
Supply chain disruptions in Canada worsened in December as businesses continued to be hindered by the fallout from flooding in British Columbia and a shortage of workers. The RSM Canada Supply Chain Index stands at 2.17 standard deviations below zero, down from 1.47, in a sign of just how persistent ... READ MORE >
RSM Canada Financial Conditions Index shows the return of risk
Risk is being reintroduced into Canada’s financial markets as investment decisions and monetary policy begin to pivot from interest rates at the zero bound. Though the rates are still far lower than in normal times, three-month Treasury bills have moved off recent lows, with the forward market now ... READ MORE >
Canada’s jobs report shows strong gains among full-time workers
Canada added 55,000 jobs in December, rounding out the year on a strong note, according to data released by Statistics Canada on Friday. The entire gain in jobs occurred in full-time employment, which added 123,000 jobs, while part-time employment declined by 68,000. While the unemployment rate ... READ MORE >
Canada’s merchandise trade surplus increases, lifted by vaccine production
Canada’s international merchandise trade surplus widened to 3.1 billion CAD in November because of an unexpected source--the mass production of the COVID-19 vaccine, according to data released by Statistics Canada on Thursday. With the approval of the COVID-19 vaccines to children ages 5 to 11, demand ... READ MORE >
Canada’s building permits hit a record in November
Canadian building permits rose by 6.8% in November to an all-time-high of 11.2 billion CAD, the third straight monthly increase amid strong demand for residential housing, according to data released by Statistics Canada on Wednesday. All of the gains came from the residential sector, which increased by ... READ MORE >
Canada’s retail sales increased by 1.6% in October but new virus threat looms
Retail sales in Canada climbed by 1.6% to $57.6 billion in October thanks to rebounding sales of motor vehicles and parts, according to data released by Statistics Canada on Tuesday. But the data was captured before the recent surge of the omicron variant of the coronavirus, which in a matter of ... READ MORE >
Canada inflation steady at 4.7% amid high gasoline and food prices
Canada’s inflation in November remained at 4.7% on an annual basis, primarily because of increasing prices for gasoline, food and shelter, according to data released by Statistics Canada on Wednesday. From the previous month, consumer prices rose slightly, by 0.2%. Excluding food and energy, the ... READ MORE >
Canada’s trade surplus grew in October, fueled by autos and energy
Canada’s merchandise trade surplus widened to CAD $2.1 billion in October—a 10-year high—as exports of motor vehicles and parts as well as energy surged, according to data released by Statistics Canada on Tuesday. Both exports and imports rose, especially in trading with the United States, primarily ... READ MORE >
Our economic outlook for Canada in 2022
Canada’s economy had a bumpy ride in the past year, as the promise of mass vaccinations was followed by supply chain disruptions, a global energy crisis and rising inflation. Looking ahead to next year, we see a Canadian economy continuing to recover, even as businesses and consumers contend with ... READ MORE >