Bank of Canada trims key interest rate, hints at end to cuts

Core Viewpoint - The Bank of Canada has reduced its key overnight interest rate to 2.25%, marking the lowest level since July 2022, and indicated that this may conclude its cutting cycle unless inflation and economic outlook change [1][2][3] Economic Growth Projections - The Bank of Canada revised its economic growth forecast for 2025 down to 1.2% from an earlier estimate of 1.8%, and for 2026 down to 1.1%, with a recovery expected to 1.6% in 2027 [2] - The bank anticipates annualized growth of 0.5% in the third quarter and 1% in the fourth quarter [5] Inflation Management - The Bank aims to keep annual inflation anchored at 2%, the midpoint of its target range of 1% to 3%, with an expectation that inflation will average around 2% over the year [5] - Consumer prices are projected to average approximately 2.1% in 2026 [5] Economic Conditions - Canada's economy contracted by 1.6% in the second quarter, with early indicators suggesting a potential near-contraction in the third quarter [4] - The current economic weakness is characterized as a structural transition rather than merely a cyclical downturn, limiting the effectiveness of monetary policy in stimulating demand while maintaining inflation targets [4] Trade Policy Impact - The Bank of Canada acknowledges that U.S. trade policy has been a significant factor affecting demand and costs for businesses, with the expectation that these forces will offset each other [3] - The range of possible economic outcomes remains wider than usual due to the unpredictability of U.S. trade policy [6] Currency and Market Reactions - Following the interest rate announcement, the Canadian dollar strengthened, trading up 0.22% to 1.3915 against the U.S. dollar [6] - Money markets currently do not anticipate any further rate cuts until March of the following year [6]