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Canada’s Inflation Climbs to 2.4% as Gas Prices Surge to Record High

  Canada’s inflation rate accelerated to 2.4% in March , up from 1.8% in February, as the Iran war triggered the largest monthly gasoline price increase on record . Statistics Canada reported that gas prices surged 21.2% month‑over‑month , a supply‑shock response to Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz and broader Middle East instability.  Energy costs were the dominant driver of March inflation, with overall energy prices rising 3.9% year‑over‑year after a sharp decline the month before. Excluding gasoline, inflation would have eased to 2.2% , highlighting how concentrated the price shock was.  Food inflation offered mixed relief: grocery prices rose 4.4% , while fresh vegetables jumped 7.8% due to difficult growing conditions. Restaurant inflation cooled sharply as last year’s tax‑holiday distortions fell out of the annual comparison.  Economists note that while headline inflation spiked, core measures remained relatively tame , giving the Bank of Canada ro...
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Bank of Canada Slashes Rates by 50 Basis Points as Inflation Stabilizes

The Bank of Canada (BoC) has made a significant move by cutting its key interest rate by 50 basis points, bringing the overnight rate down to 3.75%. This decision, announced on October 23, 2024, marks the central bank’s fourth consecutive rate cut since June.

The BoC’s aggressive rate cuts come as inflation has returned to target levels, providing the central bank with the confidence to ease monetary policy further. Governor Tiff Macklem emphasized that the rate cut aims to support economic growth and ensure that inflation remains within the desired range.

Economists had widely anticipated this move, given the recent trends in economic data and the central bank’s commitment to maintaining price stability. The BoC’s decision reflects its proactive approach to managing the economy amid global uncertainties and domestic challenges.

With this latest rate cut, the Bank of Canada continues to navigate the delicate balance between fostering economic growth and keeping inflation in check. The central bank’s actions will be closely watched as they impact borrowing costs, consumer spending, and overall economic activity in the coming months.


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