Macklem opening statement: 'We need higher rates and the economy can handle them'

  • Initial comments from Bank of Canada governor Tiff Macklem
BOC Macklem April 13 2022
  • Reiterates that the BOC will act forcefully if need be
  • Canadian should expect rates to continue to rise towards more neutral settings, current estimate is that is between 2-3%
  • If demand responds quickly to higher rates and inflationary pressures moderate, it may be appropriaate to pause hikes once we get closer to the neutral rate
  • On the other hand, we may need to take rates modestly above neutral for a period to bring demand and supply back into balance and inflation to target
  • Impact of Russia-Ukraine war on Canada is likely to be small
  • Businesses indicated they will need to raise wages to attract workers
  • Exports are picking up
  • We are concerned about the broadening of inflation in Canada
  • Canadians should expect rates in a neutral setting, between 2-3%
  • We have an inflation target, not an interest rate target

I believe the comment on 'forceful' is a hint another 50 bps hike in June. USD/CAD has slipped on the comments but it comes at the same time as an improvement in the broad risk trade and dip in the US dollar.

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