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Bank of Canada chops borrowing costs to 50-year low* P Z6 U3 [6 `! L4 g
Last Updated: Tuesday, December 9, 2008 | 9:28 AM ET Comments80Recommend83' c/ o( N$ l( m( ^7 {" X2 o, P" u
CBC News
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/ u+ Y# C9 L& a" f/ uThe 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 1958.3 n# a7 I: s# A3 B' f
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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.3 k1 t2 D6 I) N7 \; \% P6 m
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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.": k" Q/ n$ P/ K2 D" h
9 b! {& C4 L+ g. r: P4 V, U0 _' ]0 GEconomists had been divided over whether the central bank would cut by one-half of a percentage point or go with a more aggressive reduction.$ E# M) y: n9 x, 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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