May 19, 2021
Consult these brief articles explaining topics related to our core functions.
April 5, 2021
At the heart of the Bank of Canada’s monetary policy is the target for the overnight rate. See what it is—and what it means for you.
Understanding our policy interest rate
Content Type(s):
Explainers
Topic(s):
Monetary policy
April 5, 2021
It takes time for our policy decisions to filter—or be transmitted—through the economy and financial system.
Understanding how monetary policy works
Content Type(s):
Explainers
Topic(s):
Monetary policy
December 17, 2020
QE is a tool that encourages spending and investment—helping us to achieve our inflation target by stabilizing the economy.
Understanding quantitative easing
Content Type(s):
Explainers
Topic(s):
Inflation targets,
Monetary policy
August 13, 2020
At the Bank of Canada, we aim to keep inflation close to 2 percent.
Understanding inflation targeting
Content Type(s):
Explainers
Topic(s):
Inflation and prices,
Inflation targets
August 13, 2020
Inflation is a persistent rise in the average level of prices over time.
Understanding inflation
Content Type(s):
Explainers
Topic(s):
Inflation and prices,
Inflation: costs and benefits
August 13, 2020
The foreign exchange market determines how much the Canadian dollar is worth. At the Bank of Canada, we very rarely intervene to support its value.
Understanding exchange rates
Content Type(s):
Explainers
Topic(s):
Exchange rates
May 6, 2020
At the Bank of Canada, we cover the cost of day-to-day business with “seigniorage,” which means earning money from issuing bank notes.
Understanding seigniorage
Content Type(s):
Explainers
Topic(s):
Bank notes
January 31, 2020
Here's what money does—and how we’re handling it in the digital age.
Understanding money in the 21st century
Content Type(s):
Explainers
Topic(s):
Bank notes,
Digital currencies and fintech
March 3, 2014
Highlights the value of ‘prudent’ borrowing in enhancing welfare, but also the risks of over-indebtedness for households, the economy and financial stability. Discusses trends in household debt, various debt metrics and why monetary policy is concerned with how households use borrowed funds.
Household Spending and Debt
Content Type(s):
Explainers
Topic(s):
Financial stability
February 28, 2014
Describes the shared responsibility for the regulation of the Canadian financial system and summarizes the Bank of Canada’s role in the financial system.
Regulation of the Canadian Financial System
Content Type(s):
Explainers
Topic(s):
Financial system regulation and policies
May 31, 2013
Defines this important economic concept, describes different measures of productivity, explains how productivity affects living standards, and summarizes the reasons behind Canada’s disappointing productivity record.
Productivity
Content Type(s):
Explainers
Topic(s):
Productivity
May 29, 2012
Defines this key economic indicator and explains its importance for monetary policy.
Output Gap
Content Type(s):
Explainers
Topic(s):
Productivity