Introducing Sparks at Bank Sparks at Bank article Sparks at Bank is a new platform for sharing insights, research and analysis from staff at the Bank of Canada. It’s designed for people who think deeply about the economy and policy but who also appreciate clarity and brevity. Content Type(s): Staff research, Sparks at Bank article
February 3, 2026 Research themes: Structural challenges The world is constantly changing. Factors like trade conflicts, technological advances and climate change can challenge the very foundations of the economy. We study these developments to keep our economy strong and resilient.
February 3, 2026 Research themes: Money and payments The digital age is reshaping the very nature of money and payments. Our research aims to ensure Canadians have access to safe, reliable and convenient forms of payment—including cash—now and into the future.
February 3, 2026 Research themes: Monetary policy Our commitment is to keep inflation low, stable and predictable. To do this, we must understand what causes inflation and ensure our tools and framework remain fit for purpose in a world with more frequent supply disruptions.
February 3, 2026 Research themes: Financial system A sound financial system is the bedrock of a strong economy. To help preserve financial stability, we study how links between financial institutions can generate system-wide stress and amplify economic downturns as well as issues about efficiency.
February 3, 2026 Research Our researchers examine five key research themes and share their findings through Sparks at Bank articles and research papers. Meet our experts and read their published work.
What’s behind the slowdown in Toronto’s condo market Sparks at Bank article Benjamin Straus, Nishaad Rao Strong population growth, low interest rates and robust investor demand drove an expansion in Toronto’s condo market over the past decade. But times have changed. Toronto’s condos are no longer providing substantial returns for short-term investors because population growth has eased and interest rates have risen. This is challenging the business models of condo builders. Content Type(s): Staff research, Sparks at Bank article Research Theme(s): Monetary policy, Real economy and forecasting, Structural challenges, Demographics and labour supply
Understanding the resurgence of food inflation in 2025 Sparks at Bank article Olga Bilyk Inflation in grocery prices picked up in 2025, largely due to rising cost pressures that emerged in late 2024 and worked their way through supply chains. Compared with the cost pressures experienced during the COVID‑19 pandemic, these have been more limited, narrower in scope and more commonly tied to imported items. Content Type(s): Staff research, Sparks at Bank article Research Theme(s): Monetary policy, Inflation dynamics and pressures
Hedge funds and their trading strategies in the Government of Canada bond market Sparks at Bank article Andreas Uthemann, Adrian Walton Hedge funds are active in Canadian government bond markets and help improve market efficiency. But their trading strategies are not well understood. We offer insights into the range of strategies hedge funds use beyond the more commonly known cash-futures basis trade. We also explore the concentration of trading activity among a few large funds. Content Type(s): Staff research, Sparks at Bank article Research Theme(s): Financial markets and funds management, Market functioning, Market structure, Financial system, Financial institutions and intermediation, Financial stability and systemic risk