In the Update, the Bank described three major developments affecting the Canadian economy: protracted weakness in the U.S. economy, ongoing turbulence in global financial markets, and sharp increases in certain commodity prices, particularly energy.
Three major developments are affecting the Canadian economy: the protracted weakness in the U.S. economy; ongoing turbulence in global financial markets; and sharp increases in the prices of certain commodities — particularly energy. The first two developments are evolving roughly in line with expectations outlined in the April Monetary Policy Report.
The Bank of Canada today announced the appointment of Angelo Melino, Professor in the Department of Economics at the University of Toronto, and Frank Milne, BMO Professor of Economics and Finance in the Department of Economics at Queen's University, as Special Advisers for the year 2008-09.
Despite the recent slowdown in real economic growth in Canada, the results of the summer survey do not suggest widespread weakness across Canadian firms. Firms have, however, become increasingly concerned about pressures on input costs and inflation.
There are two broad classes of arguments for greater flexibility in the design and application of monetary policy frameworks. The BIS has done a great deal of useful work on asset-price targeting in particular and on the complicated interplay between monetary policy and financial stability in general.
Further to its 12 December 2007 announcement, the Bank of Canada is expanding the list of securities eligible to be pledged as collateral for the Standing Liquidity Facility to include marketable securities issued by the United States Treasury (bills, notes and bonds, including Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities).
For many Canadians, one of the most important investments they'll make is the purchase of a house. And for you as financial market professionals, the links between the housing market and financial markets have important consequences.