Canadian labor markets firmed, but still soft, in December – RBC Economics
|The December labor market numbers are clearly firmer than expected, with headlines and details broadly better than feared. Still, the data is notoriously volatile, and the unemployment rate is still up almost a percentage point from a year ago and at its second highest level (outside of the 2020/21 pandemic) since 2017, RBC Economics’ economists note.
Canadian employment in December faces the largest increase in almost 2 years
“We continue to think it is unlikely that the broader uptrend in the unemployment rate has ended (the 3-month average rate continued to rise in December) with hiring demand (job openings) still running well below year-ago levels.”
“The Bank of Canada (BoC) already flagged in December that with interest rates no longer clearly at 'restrictive' levels, and inflation running back around the central bank's 2% target, the pace of rate cuts will be more gradual, and contingent on the evolution of economic data, going forward.”
“We continue to expect that ultimately the BoC will need to cut the overnight rate to slightly 'stimulative' levels this year - below the 2.25% to 3.25% the BoC currently estimates as the likely range for the current neutral rate.”
Information on these pages contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Markets and instruments profiled on this page are for informational purposes only and should not in any way come across as a recommendation to buy or sell in these assets. You should do your own thorough research before making any investment decisions. FXStreet does not in any way guarantee that this information is free from mistakes, errors, or material misstatements. It also does not guarantee that this information is of a timely nature. Investing in Open Markets involves a great deal of risk, including the loss of all or a portion of your investment, as well as emotional distress. All risks, losses and costs associated with investing, including total loss of principal, are your responsibility. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of FXStreet nor its advertisers.