*** Bank of Canada rate announcement up......>

CANADA: *** Bank of Canada rate announcement up shortly (1000ET) -- expected to

maintain a target rate of 1.75%. While recent rally in energy prices are likely

to underscore CPI inflation, global uncertainty over oil and trade remain high.

Recent MNI Pinch model shows increasing chances of a rate cut (32.2% by year

end). 

- TD Securities, steady at 1.75%, strategists see "risk/reward skews to lower

rates on more dovish forward guidance...emphasis on data dependence...growth

outlook is downgraded by 0.2-0.3bp"

-  JP Morgan: steady at 1.75%, "maintain a cautious stance and remain on hold

through most of 2019" though they "expect the next hike in October." Re Monetary

Policy report: '19 real GDP growth likely to be downgraded largely on a weaker

trade contribution."

- Bank of America: steady at 1.75% and on hold through 2019. BoA "expect BoC to

lower its 2019 GDP growth estimate to 1.5% from 1.7%. We do not expect changes

to its neutral rate estimate."