Bank of Canada Announcement
As expected, today the BANK OF CANADA announced that it was maintaining its target for the overnight rate at one per cent. The Bank Rate is correspondingly one and a quarter per cent and the deposit rate is three quarters of a per cent. Economists do not predict an increase in the overnight rate until the middle of next year.

The outlook for the Canadian economy has weakened since July, with the significantly less favourable external environment affecting Canada through financial, confidence and trade channels. Although Canadian growth rebounded in the third quarter with the unwinding of temporary factors, underlying economic momentum has slowed and is expected to remain modest through the middle of next year. Domestic demand is expected to remain the principal driver of growth over the projection horizon, though at a more subdued pace than previously anticipated. Household expenditures are now projected to grow relatively modestly as lower commodity prices and heightened volatility in financial markets weigh on the incomes, wealth and confidence of Canadian households. Business fixed investment is still expected to grow solidly in response to very stimulative financial conditions and heightened competitive pressures, although it will be dampened by the weaker and more uncertain global economic environment. Net exports are expected to remain a source of weakness, owing to sluggish foreign demand and ongoing competitiveness challenges, including the persistent strength of the Canadian dollar.

The financial institutions will also keep their Prime Lending rate at 3%. Fixed rates have remained steady at record low rates of 3.49% for a 5 year fixed term while variable rates have risen rates to 2.90% or Prime.

The next Bank of Canada Rate Announcement will be on December 6, 2011.

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