Bank of Canada lowers key policy interest rate by 1/2 percentage point to 3 1/2 per cent

The Bank of Canada today announced that it is lowering its target for the overnight rate 1 by one-half of one percentage point to 3 1/2 per cent. The operating band for the overnight rate is correspondingly lowered, and the Bank Rate is now 3 3/4 per cent.

The tragic acts of terrorism in the United States on 11 September may pose significant challenges to consumer and business confidence in the United States, Canada, and elsewhere. Accordingly, the Bank is taking this action today to underpin confidence and provide further support for economic growth in Canada. The Bank's decision to act outside of its normal schedule of announcement dates reflects the need for prompt action to counteract potential effects on confidence in the aftermath of the extraordinary events in the United States.

Information note:

The Bank's next scheduled date for announcing policy interest rates is 23 October 2001.