News

All of us at the Bank of Canada share a deep sorrow at the loss of so many lives in the 11 September terrorist attacks in the United States. Among those who died were innocent citizens of many nationalities, including Canadians. To their families, friends, and colleagues we extend our heartfelt sympathy.

The Bank of Canada today announced that it is lowering its target for the overnight rate* by three-quarters of one percentage point to 2 3/4 per cent. The operating band for the overnight rate is correspondingly lowered, and the Bank Rate is now 3 per cent.

Summary results of a survey of activity in Canadian foreign exchange and derivatives markets conducted by the Bank of Canada in April 2001 are now available. Similar surveys were undertaken in over 45 other countries during the same month, and the central banks of many of those countries are also releasing their results today.

The Bank of Canada today released its schedule of eight dates for announcing decisions on its key policy interest rate for 2002.

Right now, last week's tragic events in the United States are uppermost in people's minds. Like millions of people around the globe, Canadians are very concerned about the situation. We all share in the sheer horror of what has happened.