At today’s meeting, the Bank of Canada raised the key rate to 1.75%. According to National Bank of Canada’s analysts, Krishen Rangasamy and Paul-André Pinsonnault, the central bank opened doors for faster policy normalization.
Key Quotes:
“The BoC also pointed out that since the economy is now running close to its potential, it no longer needs policy stimulus and hence the overnight rate will need to rise to neutral in order to achieve the inflation target. Senior Deputy Governor Wilkins reiterated that the Bank estimates neutral to be in a 2.5 to 3.5% range. Risks to the global economic outlook related to the U.S.– China trade tensions were also discussed. But Governor Poloz pointed out that related risks to the economy are not all to the downside because there could also be a negotiated de-escalation of those tensions. The BoC also acknowledged that for some households, the adjustments to higher interest rates will be difficult. Still, as long as higher rates reflect a stronger economy, rate hikes should be seen as good news.”
“The Bank of Canada’s statement was more hawkish than the one it published last September. The central bank not only raised interest rates (which was expected by markets), but it also dropped its reference to “gradual” rate hikes. That could mean a more aggressive path to monetary tightening than what was expected previously.”
“The BoC’s more hawkish stance is based on largely positive economic data and reduced trade-related uncertainties courtesy of the USMCA trade deal. At this point we’re calling for three more rate hikes before year end-2019, which would then put the overnight rate in the lower end of the estimated neutral rate. Going much further than that would, in our view, threaten the growth and inflation outlook in light of the economy’s sensitivity to rate hikes.”
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. The author will not be held responsible for information that is found at the end of links posted on this page.
If not otherwise explicitly mentioned in the body of the article, at the time of writing, the author has no position in any stock mentioned in this article and no business relationship with any company mentioned. The author has not received compensation for writing this article, other than from FXStreet.
FXStreet and the author do not provide personalized recommendations. The author makes no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of this information. FXStreet and the author will not be liable for any errors, omissions or any losses, injuries or damages arising from this information and its display or use. Errors and omissions excepted.
The author and FXStreet are not registered investment advisors and nothing in this article is intended to be investment advice.
Recommended content
Editors’ Picks
EUR/USD stabilizes near 1.0800 as trading action turns subdued
EUR/USD holds steady near 1.0800 on Thursday and remains on track to end the day in negative territory following upbeat macroeconomic data releases from the US. The action in financial markets turn subdued as trading volumes thin out heading into Easter holiday.
GBP/USD extends sideways grind above 1.2600
GBP/USD fluctuates in a narrow channel above 1.2600 on Thursday. The better-than-expected Initial Jobless Claims data from the US and the upward revision to the Q4 GDP growth help the USD stay resilient against its rivals and limits the pair's upside.
Gold pulls away from daily highs, holds above $2,200
Gold retreats from daily highs but holds comfortably above $2,200 in the American session on Thursday. The benchmark 10-year US Treasury bond yield stays near 4.2% after upbeat US data and makes it difficult for XAU/USD to gather further bullish momentum.
XRP price falls to $0.60 support as Ripple ruling doesn’t help Coinbase lawsuit against SEC
XRP programmatic sales ruling by Judge Torres was completely rejected by another US Court that ruled in favor of the SEC in a lawsuit against Coinbase.
Portfolio rebalancing and reflation trades emerge into Q2
Yesterday’s price action pointed at a possible end-of-quarter portfolio rebalancing as the session saw the laggards of the quarter like Apple and Tesla gain, and the stars like Microsoft and Nvidia retreat.