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Canada Holds Steady: Interest Rate Pause Signals Cautious Confidence

                      The Bank of Canada also held its policy rate at its last scheduled rate announcement in December. The Bank of Canada has opted to keep its key interest rate at 2.25% , a move that underscores a careful balancing act as the country approaches a pivotal moment in North American trade relations. With CUSMA (the Canada‑United States‑Mexico Agreement) negotiations on the horizon, policymakers appear intent on maintaining stability while assessing potential economic turbulence. The decision reflects a mix of optimism and prudence. Inflation has been easing gradually, giving the central bank some breathing room. At the same time, global economic uncertainty and the high stakes of upcoming trade talks mean officials are reluctant to introduce new variables into the financial system. By holding the rate steady, the Bank of Canada signals confidence in the economy’s underlying resilience while acknowledgin...

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TSX gains on rate cut hopes despite high inflation`

 


Canada’s main stock index, the Toronto Stock Exchange’s S&P/TSX composite index, rose by 0.75% to 20,777.19 on Tuesday despite a sticky domestic inflation reading.

The materials sector, which houses Canada’s major mining firms, gained 1.3% with copper miners amongst the top gainers on the benchmark index as prices of the red metal rose. Consumer staple was amongst the leading sectors, rising 1.2%, while utilities advanced 0.8%.

San Francisco Fed President Mary Daly said cuts to the U.S. central bank’s benchmark rate are likely to be appropriate next year, the Wall Street Journal reported. Fed Atlanta President Raphael Bostic and Fed Chicago President Austan Goolsbee are also scheduled to speak later in the day.

Meanwhile, the loonie strengthened 0.5% against the dollar after data showed Canada’s annual inflation rate unexpectedly remained at 3.1% in November. The renewed acceleration in core inflation pressures in November was partly due to a jump in travel tour prices, which is likely to be reversed in December.

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