Rate Cuts Are Here: Bank of Canada Cuts Rates 25 Bps

The Bank of Canada delivered a quarter-point interest rate cut on Wednesday, lowering its benchmark overnight rate to 4.75% as it seeks to navigate a path to tame stubbornly high inflation without derailing the economy.

The reduction marks a shift for the central bank after an aggressive tightening cycle that saw it raise rates at a record pace of 4.25 percentage points over to rein in price pressures. The move signals growing confidence that the worst of inflation has passed and that the economy is slowing enough to bring it back toward the 2% target.

“With continued evidence that underlying inflation is easing, Governing Council agreed that monetary policy no longer needs to be as restrictive,” officials led by Governor Tiff Macklem said in the statement announcing the decision.

Inflation Moderating

Data showed Canada’s annual inflation rate cooled to 2.7% in April, down from 4.3% in January. The Bank’s preferred measures of core inflation have also slowed, with three-month rates pointing to continued downward momentum.

While price pressures remain elevated in areas like shelter costs, the statement from the Bank of Canada suggests the central bank is becoming more confident the disinflationary trend will persist as higher borrowing costs work their way through the economy.

Growth Slowing

At the same time, economic growth has slowed sharply from last year’s torrid pace. First-quarter gross domestic product expanded just 1.7% annualized, weaker than the Bank had projected in April, as inventory investment weighed on activity.

The labor market also appears to be loosening, with employment growing at a slower clip than the working-age population. That suggests demand in the economy is beginning to come more in line with supply constraints.

With the first rate cut under its belt, investors will be watching closely for signals on whether the Bank plans to take a pause or deliver further easing in the months ahead as it aims to orchestrate a soft landing for the economy.


Information for this story was found via the Bank of Canada, and the sources and companies mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to the organizations discussed. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.

Video Articles

Baselode Energy To Acquire Forum Energy: The Merger Of Equals Deal

TriStar Gold: The Revised Castelo de Sonhos Prefeasibility Study

Gold is Up 30%, But the Real Bull Market is Only Starting Now! | Adrian Day

Recommended

ESGold To Expand Mine Building At Montauban In Advance Of Gold & Silver Production

Goliath Resources Expands 2025 Drill Program To 60,000 Metres

Related News

Tiff Macklem: Bank of Canada ‘Getting Closer’ to Hiking Rates as Economic Conditions Improve

Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem once again reassured Canadians that the central bank is...

Monday, November 15, 2021, 04:44:00 PM

Central Banks Are Loading Up On Gold Reserves While Canada Has None

Central bankers in charge of trillions of dollars in foreign exchange reserves are stockpiling gold...

Monday, April 24, 2023, 03:00:23 PM

Bank of Canada Cuts Interest Rates By 25 Basis Points Again

The Bank of Canada cut its key interest rate by 25 basis points to 4.5%...

Wednesday, July 24, 2024, 11:01:15 AM

Bank of Canada Likely to Keep Delivering Major Rate Hikes Despite Inflation Slowdown

Despite last month’s slowdown in headline inflation, many Bay Street economists still think the Bank...

Friday, August 19, 2022, 04:04:00 PM

Canadian Businesses Anticipate Higher Inflation as Supply Chain Disruptions and Labour Shortages Worsen

Businesses across Canada are facing broad economic challenges related to supply chain disruptions, material and...

Tuesday, January 18, 2022, 10:04:00 AM