Canadian Inflation Slows Sharply, Clobbering Loonie
Canadian headline inflation decelerated faster than expected again last month, and the underlying price indicators followed most closely by the Bank of Canada continued to weaken – helping clear the way for a rate cut by June. Data released by Statistics Canada this morning showed the Consumer Price Index rising 2.8 percent on a year-over-year basis in February, down from the 2.9 percent increase recorded in January, and well below consensus expectations set closer to 3.1 percent. On a month-over-month basis, prices increased 0.3 percent – also undershooting market forecasts for a 0.6 percent gain. Shelter costs again provided the...