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Since 1997 when the Bank of Canada last published a review of the Canadian overnight market, several important changes have affected the market's structure and dynamics. Reid provides a current overview of the market, examining the financial instruments, market transparency and flows, and the collateralized overnight rate as it has evolved since the introduction of the Large Value Transfer System and the fixed announcement dates. Other significant influences include changes in market practices regarding risk management, the rise of securities lending, the increased demand for collateral, and the Bank of Canada's measures to reinforce the target for the overnight rate.

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Gas Cards

All gas cards pictured here are part of the National Currency Collection of the Bank of Canada.

Given the Bank of Canada's strong interest in the safe and efficient operation of major clearing and settlement systems, the Bank maintains a rigorous research agenda as a means of informing payments system policy and oversight. In this article, Arjani and Engert review recent research undertaken by Bank staff concerning the risk and efficiency of the Large Value Transfer System (LVTS). Based on the findings from this research, the authors conclude that the design of the LVTS strikes an effective balance between risk and efficiency. The article also demonstrates the increased use of simulation analysis as a tool for conducting payments system research. A brief summary of the Bank's oversight strategy for systemically important payments systems is also provided. Goals for future research are noted as well, including modelling of participant behaviour and continued external collaboration with other researchers.

The Bank of Canada, on behalf of the Government of Canada, announces the addition of two new Government Securities Distributors for Government of Canada marketable bonds and treasury bills.

The main goal of monetary policy is to help the country achieve strong, sustainable economic performance, and, in doing so, to contribute to rising living standards for Canadians. Experience has shown that the best way for a central bank to meet this goal, given the instruments at its disposal, is by keeping inflation low and stable. Low and stable inflation increases confidence in the future value of money, and allows for clear price signals.

In the Debt Management Strategy 2007/08, the government announced that the release time for call for tenders for cash-management bills (CMBs) will be moved from 10:00 (ET) to 09:45 (ET). Effective 16 April 2007, CMBs call for tenders issued on or after this date will be released at 09:45 (ET). The auction timetable can be found on the Bank of Canada website.

The Bank of Canada's Annual Report for 2006 was tabled in the House of Commons today.

In my opinion, much of this performance can be credited to the increasingly widespread acceptance of the need for a liberalized worldwide financial and trade order. Many countries that once closed themselves to the outside world are now actively engaged in the global economy.

In a speech to the Americas Society and the Council of the Americas, Bank of Canada Governor David Dodge said today that the United States and Canada should lead the effort to strengthen institutions such as the International Monetary Fund.

A consultation document relating to the auction schedule for Real Return Bonds for the fiscal year 2007/08, prepared jointly by the Department of Finance and the Bank of Canada, is being made public today.