The Bank of Canada announced this morning that it will leave its key interest rate unchanged. The Bank also reiterated its commitment to hold its key rate at the current level until the end of the second quarter of 2010, conditional on the outlook for inflation. In its statement the Bank noted that in Canada, “stimulative monetary and fiscal policies, improved financial conditions, firmer commodity prices, and a rebound in business and consumer confidence are spurring domestic demand growth. However, the higher Canadian dollar, as well as ongoing restructuring in key industrial sectors, is significantly moderating the pace of overall growth.”
Lenders are expected to keep their prime lending rate steady. Variable-rate mortgages, variable-rate credit cards, and home equity lines of credit are typically linked to a lender’s prime rate.
Pricing for fixed-rate mortgages is not directly affected by today’s announcement.