Bank of Canada Must Lower Rates

According to one index, commodity prices have risen 40% over the last twelve months. One would therefore expect the Canadian economy to be commensurately strong. According to the most current economic data, however, just the opposite is true. Wholesale manufacturing sales are down for the second straight quarter. Non-commodity exports are also trending downwards due to sustained economic weakness in the US, Canada’s most important trade partner. Continued strength in the Canadian Dollar is also to blame. In addition, Canadians are traveling abroad in greater numbers, while international visitors to Canada have dwindled to record lows. As a result, Canadian GDP is expected to fall close to 0% for the second quarter, significantly below the Central Bank’s goal of 1%. The Bank will likely respond with a series of rate cuts, perhaps totaling as much as 1%, intended to reduce buying pressure on the Loonie and ignite the economy. Canada.com reports:

"The loonie is rising, boosted by last week’s energy and resource powered rise in the trade surplus as well as a positive
interest rates spread."

Read More: Deeper rates cuts expected as Cdn. economy slumps