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Bank of Canada chops borrowing costs to 50-year low5 i- b, G1 W" z, ]
Last Updated: Tuesday, December 9, 2008 | 9:28 AM ET Comments80Recommend83 y0 K- E J) l
CBC News; {# f" ^9 U8 f4 h; y2 S
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The Bank of Canada chopped a key interest rate by three-quarters of a percentage point on Tuesday as the central bank moves to combat economic weakness.
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With the interest rate reduction — which was the biggest drop since one of a similar size in October 2001— the bank's overnight rate now stands at 1.5 per cent, a level not seen since 1958.( k# z1 w: p7 N8 n( z8 y5 F% Y
% ^( s3 _ B( ]' C$ O# t6 G"While Canada's economy evolved largely as expected during the summer and early autumn, it is now entering a recession as a result of the weakness in global economic activity," the bank said.0 b" G* K8 M/ R7 K
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"The recent declines in terms of trade, real income growth, and confidence are prompting more cautious behaviour by households and businesses."4 a% w& i) m& N4 h h
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Economists had been divided over whether the central bank would cut by one-half of a percentage point or go with a more aggressive reduction.* ]& i: J6 Q$ E2 c( {- ~: |
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In the wake of the Bank of Canada's decision, the Canadian dollar was trading down 0.93 of a cent to 78.81 cents US. |
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