By Canadian Press

Bank of Canada widely expected to hold its key interest rate steady today

Oct 25, 2023 | 1:09 AM

OTTAWA — The Bank of Canada is set to announce its interest rate decision this morning.

Forecasters are widely expecting the central bank to hold its key interest rate steady as the economy weakens and inflation slows.

The key rate is currently sitting at five per cent, the highest it’s been since 2001.

The Bank of Canada’s aggressive rate hikes since March 2022 are weighing on consumers and businesses, as the economy shrank in the second quarter and the labour market eased.

Meanwhile, Canada’s annual inflation rate fell to 3.8 per cent in September as price pressures weaken across the economy.

Skatepark refresh

Town of Ladysmith seeks public insight in reforming skateboard park

13h ago

stabbing

UPDATE: Two people stab City of Nanaimo employee with needles at Maffeo Sutton Park

15h ago

fly-in

VIDEO: 'It's so special to see these kids:' Santa makes pre-Christmas stop at Nanaimo hospital

16h ago

Most economists believe interest rates are already sufficiently high to restore price stability and return inflation to the Bank of Canada’s two per cent target. 

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 25, 2023.

The Canadian Press