May 27, 2015 by admin

Bank of Canada holds key interest rate at 0.75 per cent

OTTAWA – The Bank of Canada is keeping its trendsetting interest rate locked at 0.75 per cent even as recent weakness in the United States raises questions about the Canadian economy’s underlying strength.
The central bank says it’s standing pat because inflation has been in line with projections and consumption has held up relatively well, even amid the net negative effects of lower oil prices.
The bank, however, plans to keep an eye on the potential economic implications for Canada if the loonie stays higher than it has been in recent months.
The central bank also says while risks to the country’s financial stability remain elevated, they seem to be unfolding as anticipated.
Last week, Bank of Canada governor Stephen Poloz called the weaker-than-expected U.S. economy “slightly puzzling,” but expressed optimism it would start accelerating in the second half of 2015.
While Poloz has been counting on a strengthening American economy to provide a major boost for Canada , so far this year the U.S. has stopped short of expectations.