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Bank of Canada chops borrowing costs to 50-year low3 H# A- q# j4 `0 B0 e$ u9 {8 P6 I( N
Last Updated: Tuesday, December 9, 2008 | 9:28 AM ET Comments80Recommend839 F- p9 ~; W5 e" A2 p- ~
CBC News
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6 y) Y! r g0 j0 K2 BThe 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.9 A$ \3 }, z+ o) b$ {" Z" E. K: f: B
m' e8 @: ^7 w2 R( BWith 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 1958.5 W& ]) p& I- r# Q+ m; \1 b6 c
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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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- Q/ k. ?# L' U, _* S2 J"The recent declines in terms of trade, real income growth, and confidence are prompting more cautious behaviour by households and businesses."6 V( n; P% [& a$ J
0 P9 D5 ]- K$ _/ _) t1 KEconomists had been divided over whether the central bank would cut by one-half of a percentage point or go with a more aggressive reduction.5 O1 v |; y. y: `/ B6 j
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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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