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Bank of Canada chops borrowing costs to 50-year low0 `7 i# E% q/ j( c/ P' o
Last Updated: Tuesday, December 9, 2008 | 9:28 AM ET Comments80Recommend83$ j& x, H E2 Y0 Z8 o
CBC News% S/ D* G7 n( ~
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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.2 ]1 {" A/ i6 {" v X6 E! y
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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.
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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.9 m1 o, i0 a( I
& `, `! i0 }+ V1 l"The recent declines in terms of trade, real income growth, and confidence are prompting more cautious behaviour by households and businesses."6 x/ g, l7 N# U
# F' [, j9 Q" J' q( uEconomists had been divided over whether the central bank would cut by one-half of a percentage point or go with a more aggressive reduction., P ]8 J: O$ o6 s, \" G" F2 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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