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June 16, 2006
Global Imbalances—Just How Dangerous?
The combination of rising current account surpluses in Asia and a growing current account deficit in the United States has raised concerns that the resulting imbalances pose a threat to the world economy, especially if they are reversed in a disorderly manner. Some experts believe that normal market forces will resolve these imbalances over time; others argue that policy-makers should facilitate the adjustment with policies that curb domestic demand in deficit countries and stimulate it in surplus countries. Little and Lafrance provide a guide to the major issues and controversies involved in the debate. -
June 8, 2006
Floating Dollar, Anchored Inflation: The Role of the Exchange Rate in Canada's Monetary Policy Framework
The two key components of the Bank's monetary policy framework are an "anchor," the inflation target, and a "float," the flexible exchange rate. Living by the ocean, you know better than I that a good mooring is one that keeps a boat in place, yet allows some give and take for the wind and the tide. -
May 30, 2006
Opening Statement before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology
The Bank of Canada Act calls on us to "mitigate … fluctuations in the general level of production, trade, prices and employment, so far as may be possible within the scope of monetary action, and generally to promote the economic and financial welfare of Canada." Over time, it has become clear that the best way for us to fulfill this mandate is to keep inflation low, stable, and predictable. -
May 24, 2006
Bank of Canada raises overnight rate target by 1/4 percentage point to 4 1/4 per cent
The Bank of Canada today announced that it is raising its target for the overnight rate by one-quarter of one percentage point to 4 1/4 per cent. -
May 5, 2006
The Crucial Contribution of the Financial System and Monetary Policy to Economic Development
Many analysts have examined the relationship between the financial system and economic development. They have uncovered some interesting facts regarding the characteristics of the financial system - characteristics that contribute to the best possible allocation of savings to productive investments, which are themselves engines of economic growth. -
May 3, 2006
Opening Statement before the Standing Senate Committee on Banking, Trade and Commerce
Total and core inflation were projected to average close to 2 per cent, beginning in the second half of this year. This projection assumed oil prices at roughly US$64 per barrel, a level then indicated by futures prices. Our projection also assumed stable commodity prices, government spending that was growing roughly in line with revenues, and a Canadian dollar continuing to trade in a range of 85 to 87 cents U.S. -
Benchmark Index of Risk Appetite
Changes in investors' risk appetite have been used to explain a variety of phenomena in asset markets. -
May 1, 2006
Fixed Income Markets
Proceedings of a conference held by the Bank of Canada, May 2006 (papers in unedited, electronic format only) -
April 27, 2006
Release of the Monetary Policy Report
The Canadian economy continues to grow at a solid pace, supported by robust global growth, firm commodity prices, and strong domestic demand. At the same time, global competition and the past appreciation of the Canadian dollar continue to pose challenges for a number of sectors.