Bank of Canada Once Again Maintains Rate At 1.75%

Date Posted: January 22, 2020

The central bank has opted once again to maintain the overnight lending interest rate at 1.75% this morning, a level it has maintained for over a year. This means stable lending rates for prime rate borrowing including mortgages and lines of credit.

The decision comes after months of economic stability, but the Canadian economy remains on slightly shakier ground. “Some of the slowdown in growth in late 2019 was related to special factors that include strikes, poor weather, and inventory adjustments. The weaker data could also signal that global economic conditions have been affecting Canada’s economy to a greater extent than was predicted. Moreover, during the past year Canadians have been saving a larger share of their incomes, which could signal increased consumer caution. This could dampen consumer spending but help to alleviate financial vulnerabilities at the same time.

Looking ahead, Canadian business investment and exports are expected to contribute modestly to growth, supported by stronger global activity and demand. The Bank is also projecting a pickup in household spending, supported by population and income growth, as well as by the recent federal income tax cut. In its January MPR, the Bank projects the global economy will grow by just over 3 percent in 2020 and 3 ¼ percent in 2021. For Canada, the Bank now forecasts real GDP will grow by 1.6 percent this year and 2 percent in 2021, following 1.6 percent growth in 2019.”

To read the full release from the Bank of Canada, click here.

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