The data in Canada's labour survey for August paints a picture of a cooling job market as the economy added a mere 22,000 jobs and the unemployment rate rose to 6.6 per cent. The employment rate rose 0.1 percentage points to 60.8 per cent. More rate cuts are needed, and it will take time for the recent ... READ MORE >
Bank of Canada
Bank of Canada cuts its policy rate to 4.25 per cent
The Bank of Canada reduced its overnight rate to 4.25 per cent amid cooling inflation and soft growth. The central bank's dovish statement went so far as to indicate that more rate cuts are coming as inflation continues to decline toward the 2 per cent goal next year. Now, with unemployment rising in a ... READ MORE >
Canada’s inflation fell to 2.5 per cent, solidifying case for rate cut
Canada’s consumer price index fell to 2.5 per cent in July, the lowest level since March 2021, solidifying the case for the Bank of Canada to cut its policy rate this month. The disinflation was broad-based and included components from food to recreation and, most notably, shelter. All measures of ... READ MORE >
Canada’s weak job market supports further rate cuts
Canada’s July jobs report spelled out the need for more rate cuts as the economy shed 2,800 jobs, according to data released Friday by Statistics Canada. The unemployment rate stayed steady at 6.4% as labour force participation fell in a challenging market. Some youth and women had stopped looking for ... READ MORE >
Bank of Canada reduces rate to 4.5 per cent amid disinflation
There was little surprise in the Bank of Canada’s announcement on Wednesday when the central bank reduced its policy rate by 25 basis points to 4.5 per cent. The tone of the central bank's statement was notably dovish and marked a departure from a hawkish or cautionary tone that persisted over the past ... READ MORE >
Canada’s economic outlook: The dawn of recovery
The Canadian economy will turn a corner toward recovery in the second half of the year, setting the stage for a true revival next year. Although Canada has managed to avoid a recession, the lack of growth has been discouraging as elevated interest rates have taken their toll. The good news is ... READ MORE >
Canada’s unemployment rate rose to 6.4 per cent, calling for further rate cuts
Canada's jobs report for June underscores the weakness of the labour market and calls for another rate cut in July. The economy lost 1,400 jobs in June. The unemployment rate jumped by 0.2 percentage points to 6.4 per cent and the employment rate fell by 0.2 percentage points to 61.1 per cent. Job ... READ MORE >
Canada’s inflation rises to 2.9% but rate cut remains on the table
Disinflation will be the theme in the Canadian economy for the rest of the year, despite the inflation uptick in May. Inflation rose to 2.9 per cent on a year-over-year basis in May, with a 0.6 per cent monthly increase, Statistics Canada reported on Tuesday. Core inflation measures also rose slightly ... READ MORE >
Canada’s unemployment rate rises to 6.2 per cent, bolstering case for further rate cuts
Canada’s jobs report for May showed that the labour market continued to soften as the economy added 27,000 jobs and the unemployment rate inched up to 6.2%, a full percentage point up from a year earlier. The employment rate fell by 0.1 percentage point to 61.3% While it’s still too early to say, the ... READ MORE >
The case for rate cuts: Read our chief economist’s op-ed in Barron’s
With inflation coming under control around the world, major central banks have embarked on a shift in monetary policy to spur demand and foster economic growth, In the past two days, the Bank of Canada and European Central Bank kicked off this regime change with the announcements of 25 basis-point ... READ MORE >