The consumer sentiment index in April fell to its lowest level since 2022, plunging to 50.8 from 57.0 in March. At the same time, inflation expectations rose to their highest levels since the 1980s. … READ MORE >
interest rates
March inflation moderated in the last clean report before tariffs
Investors and policymakers should anticipate top-line and core inflation to advance at a 4% to 4.5% pace by the middle of the summer. … READ MORE >
Canada lost 33,000 jobs in March as more pain looms due to U.S. tariffs
Canada lost 33,000 jobs in March as U.S. tariffs came into effect. Expect more layoffs in the coming months as tariffs cause widespread economic pains. … READ MORE >
Canada spared from worst of new U.S. tariffs—but economic challenges remain
The absence of new tariffs is a small consolation prize for Canada as the U.S. imposed sweeping tariffs on most countries, but economic challenges remain. … READ MORE >
Buy Canadian movement offers opportunities amid heightened emotions
The Buy Canadian movement may be more than a reactionary fad amid U.S. tariffs. The increased awareness of domestic options could shift behaviours in the long run—but being aware of its limitations is critical. … READ MORE >
Fed holds rates steady with a stagflation-lite forecast
The Fed’s statement and forecasts draw a picture of a central bank that is on its heels and looking to ascertain the difference between signal and noise amid rising uncertainty as it determines its policy … READ MORE >
Calm before the storm: Canada’s CPI rises as tax break ends
Canada’s consumer price index for February saw a sizeable uptick—but the increase was just the calm before a broader economic storm. … READ MORE >
The waiting is the hardest part: Fed can’t do anything about tariffs
We expect the Fed to keep its policy rate in a range between 4.25% and 4.5% while adjusting its Summary of Economic Projections to anticipate slower growth at or near 2%. … READ MORE >
Bank of Canada cuts interest rate to 2.75% as tariffs cloud outlook
The Bank of Canada reduced its key interest rate to 2.75 per cent on Wednesday amid tariffs and ongoing trade tensions. Rising uncertainty clouds Canada’s economic outlook as U.S. tariffs threaten to raise prices while thwarting growth. If further trade measures are introduced next month, expect the Bank of Canada … … READ MORE >
Quantum of solace: Inflation cools ahead of tariff-induced price increases
Service inflation and rents, though, are still advancing a well above 4%, which in conjunction with slowing growth does not bode well for the economy … READ MORE >