Explainers
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June 4, 2019
Canada’s Floating Currency
The market for foreign exchange determines how much our dollar is worth. The Bank of Canada very rarely intervenes to support its value. -
January 15, 2016
Target For The Overnight Rate
Defines this important policy interest rate and describes the role it plays in influencing various market interest rates. -
May 7, 2014
What is E-Money?
Understanding and monitoring e-money products is an important part of the Bank of Canada’s research agenda. -
May 7, 2014
Decentralized E-Money
Decentralized e-money is stored and flows through a peer-to-peer computer network that directly links users, much like chat rooms. No one user controls the network. -
April 29, 2014
Demand for Cash
A core function of the Bank of Canada is to design, produce and distribute banknotes. Over the last few decades, there has been a major shift away from paper-based payment instruments, such as banknotes and cheques, toward electronic means of payment, such as debit cards, credit cards and innovations such as e-money. -
March 3, 2014
Household Spending and Debt
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. -
February 28, 2014
Regulation of the Canadian Financial System
Describes the shared responsibility for the regulation of the Canadian financial system and summarizes the Bank of Canada’s role in the financial system. -
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September 27, 2013
Large Value Transfer System
Describes this important funds-transfer system and explains the Bank of Canada’s oversight role. -
July 22, 2013 The Transmission of Monetary Policy - Whiteboard
This video describes, in general terms, the “transmission” of monetary policy-i.e., how changes in the Bank’s policy typically affect the economy and inflation over time.