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Bank of Canada chops borrowing costs to 50-year low. X: m6 R1 @0 L8 @# Q% `
Last Updated: Tuesday, December 9, 2008 | 9:28 AM ET Comments80Recommend83
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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.4 P3 Y, B& e9 l0 z4 W& y$ V) O
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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 1958.7 ~: r6 C1 L& [$ X+ B. W
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"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.
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- R' Y2 ^, w. E( ^"The recent declines in terms of trade, real income growth, and confidence are prompting more cautious behaviour by households and businesses."6 L% P8 R, U2 j( V% Q
" T. ~. i+ r+ y+ ~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.: G" T7 U4 J2 @8 y% ]$ t
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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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