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 >
interest rates
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 >
Solid labor demand persists as U.S. economy adds 151,000 jobs in February
The American economy added 151,000 jobs in February, a sign that demand for labor remains solid amid the significant policy changes in Washington. … READ MORE >
Another delay in U.S. tariffs—what does this mean for Canada?
U.S. tariffs on some Canadian goods were delayed, again, in a familiar-yet-concerning development in the ongoing trade dispute. This latest pause, which is in place until April 2, applies to tariffs on goods covered under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). Canada’s economic outlook remains clouded as tariff threats hang over … … READ MORE >
Market minute: Job growth, unemployment and federal contractors
We expect the U.S. jobs report for February to show a net increase in employment of 160,000 and an unemployment rate of 4%. … READ MORE >
Market minute: Goods deflation, food inflation and a lack of exemptions
Consumers face the possibility of double-digit increases in many grocery items given the quantity of fruit and vegetables imported from those two countries. … READ MORE >