Free Trial

BOC's Lane: BOC Decisions To Take Stronger CAD Into Account

By Yali N'Diaye
     OTTAWA (MNI) - Reaffirming that the Bank of Canada remains data dependent,
Deputy Governor Timothy Lane said Thursday the Canadian dollar strengthening
will "pretty strongly" be taken into account.   
     "Each decision is a live decision," Lane said during a question and answer
session following a speech at Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority,
in the province of Saskatchewan. "We're kind of watching the numbers as they
come along."
     Among the data, he particularly pointed out the recent strengthening of the
loonie, adding "we're certainly watching that closely and we'll be taking that
into account pretty strongly in making our decisions." 
     Justifying the September 6 decision to hike the overnight rate target to
1.0% from 0.75%, Lane said the data were looking "quite favorable" over the
summer, with the expansion broadening and the resource economy rebounding.
     "Interest rates are still quite low", however, relative to the estimated
neutral level, he said. "That still seems appropriate, partly because we don't
know how the economy is going to react" after a cumulated 50 basis point rate
hike.
     Turning to household debt, Lane repeated it remains a "big vulnerability"
for the financial system and the BOC is "hopeful that over time this will
moderate".
     That being said, as the Canadian economy seems on a better track, this
should help household afford the debt that've taken on and it is "certainly
something we are watching very closely and we'll continue to do so."
     While mortgage costs remain low, Lane warned households should remember
that the current level of interest rates is "really exceptional and it's not a
level that's likely to continue throughout the life of a mortgage."
--MNI Ottawa Bureau; +1 613 869-0916; email: yali.ndiaye@marketnews.com
[TOPICS: M$C$$$]

To read the full story

Close

Why MNI

MNI is the leading provider

of intelligence and analysis on the Global Fixed Income, Foreign Exchange and Energy markets. We use an innovative combination of real-time analysis, deep fundamental research and journalism to provide unique and actionable insights for traders and investors. Our "All signal, no noise" approach drives an intelligence service that is succinct and timely, which is highly regarded by our time constrained client base.

Our Head Office is in London with offices in Chicago, Washington and Beijing, as well as an on the ground presence in other major financial centres across the world.