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Bank of Canada chops borrowing costs to 50-year low
3 ], a# e% X4 s2 Z9 X' l7 sLast Updated: Tuesday, December 9, 2008 | 9:28 AM ET Comments80Recommend833 O* Y3 h+ U' ?$ A- }
CBC News/ `/ M" \1 k3 P5 V# s
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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 o" r j4 q9 R6 x+ ~- j' [
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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.
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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."+ Z3 e& U2 q' j5 N7 Z& K& ]" u
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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.4 ?9 N. M, A- g/ v. l% f. v
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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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