Brokers hoping for another gift from the Bank of Canada at Wednesday’s rate announcement may be out of luck, if experts pointing to new economic data are correct.
Brokers hoping for another gift from the Bank of Canada at Wednesday’s rate announcement may be out of luck, if experts pointing to new economic data are correct.
Several economists believe the BoC will maintain its target for the overnight rate at ¾ per cent, citing an uptick in jobs created in March.
"I don't think you can cut rates at this point in time," said Stefane Marion, chief economist at National Bank Financial, according to Reuters. "Do you need more insurance policy at this point in time? I don't think so."
The Canadian economy saw 28,700 jobs added in March; however, the major increase was due to a large number of part-time jobs (56,800) being created.
Full-time jobs actually saw a 28,200 cut, and the unemployment rate held steady at 6.8 per cent.
"It was a mixed bag overall, which, frankly, given some of the challenges the Canadian economy has faced at the start of the year, is not a bad outcome," Doug Porter, chief economist at BMO Capital Markets told Reuters.
The Bank held its rate at ¾ per cent at its last announcement on March 4.
“Financial conditions in Canada have eased materially since January, in response to the Bank’s recent monetary policy action and to global financial developments,” an official release from the central bank stated at the time. “This easing is reflected across the yield curve and in a wide range of asset prices, including the Canadian dollar. These conditions will mitigate the negative effects of the oil price shock, further boosting growth through stronger non-energy exports and investment.”
The mark had been lowered – for the first time in over four years – in late January.
Several economists believe the BoC will maintain its target for the overnight rate at ¾ per cent, citing an uptick in jobs created in March.
"I don't think you can cut rates at this point in time," said Stefane Marion, chief economist at National Bank Financial, according to Reuters. "Do you need more insurance policy at this point in time? I don't think so."
The Canadian economy saw 28,700 jobs added in March; however, the major increase was due to a large number of part-time jobs (56,800) being created.
Full-time jobs actually saw a 28,200 cut, and the unemployment rate held steady at 6.8 per cent.
"It was a mixed bag overall, which, frankly, given some of the challenges the Canadian economy has faced at the start of the year, is not a bad outcome," Doug Porter, chief economist at BMO Capital Markets told Reuters.
The Bank held its rate at ¾ per cent at its last announcement on March 4.
“Financial conditions in Canada have eased materially since January, in response to the Bank’s recent monetary policy action and to global financial developments,” an official release from the central bank stated at the time. “This easing is reflected across the yield curve and in a wide range of asset prices, including the Canadian dollar. These conditions will mitigate the negative effects of the oil price shock, further boosting growth through stronger non-energy exports and investment.”
The mark had been lowered – for the first time in over four years – in late January.
