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The Rate Cuts Are Over — Is a Hike Coming?

  July 23, 2026 Oil shocks, sticky inflation and a technical recession are pulling the Bank of Canada in opposite directions at once. For most of the past two years, the only question about the Bank of Canada was how far and how fast it would cut. The overnight rate fell from 5.00% to 2.25% between June 2024 and October 2025, one of the sharpest easing cycles in the Bank's history, and it has held there through six consecutive decisions since. That story is now over. The question on the table for the rest of 2026 isn't whether the Bank cuts again — it's whether the next move is actually a hike. Two conflicting signals, one Bank The case for staying put — or even cutting — comes from the growth side of the ledger. Statistics Canada data showed the economy contracted in both the fourth quarter of 2025 and the first quarter of 2026, meeting the informal definition of a technical recession. That was enough to have some economists warning the Bank had no room to raise rates at a...
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Canada Braces for Lasting Economic Impact Amid U.S. Trade Tensions

 

The Bank of Canada’s Governing Council has issued a stark warning: a protracted trade conflict with the United States could permanently depress the nation’s GDP level. In recent meeting minutes, officials noted that the uncertainty surrounding U.S. trade policy—exacerbated by the threat of significant tariffs—could lead to a lasting reduction in economic output.

With nearly 75% of Canadian exports destined for the U.S., even temporary disruptions could force businesses to recalibrate their investment plans and supply chains, resulting in a permanent shift in the country’s economic potential. The central bank’s decision to trim its key policy rate by 25 basis points to 3% underscores the urgency of addressing these risks amid rising inflation pressures and subdued business confidence.

While the exact outcomes remain uncertain, the consensus among policymakers is clear: unless the trade tensions are resolved, Canada may face a long-term decline in GDP growth, along with accompanying inflationary pressures that could complicate future economic recovery efforts. The Bank of Canada plans to monitor the situation closely, ready to adjust its policy stance as needed to mitigate these challenges.


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