Bank of Canada to announce interest rate decision today, expected to hold key rate

OTTAWA –

The Bank of Canada is set to announce its interest rate decision this morning, with economists widely expecting the central bank to hold its key rate.

At its last announcement on Jan. 25, the Bank of Canada announced a quarter percentage point rate hike, bringing its key rate to 4.5 per cent.

• Download our app to get alerts to your device
• Get the latest newsletters right to your inbox

At the time, the central bank said it plans to take a pause from raising interest rates to assess the effects of previous hikes on the economy.

Elevated borrowing costs are expected to slow the economy down this year as people and businesses pull back on spending.

Recent economic data shows both the economy and inflation slowing, though the labour market was still running hot in January.

However, if inflation proves to be stickier than expected, the Bank of Canada has said it is ready to jump back in and raise rates further.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 8, 2023