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Business Outlook Sours in Canada, Complicating Rate Path
Canadian business sentiment fell to its lowest since the Covid-19 pandemic in a central bank survey, while consumer expectations for short-term inflation held at a record high. Data released Monday by the Bank of Canada show the economy adjusting to high interest rates and heading to a period of weaker growth or even a mild recession. More businesses than usual expect their sales to decline, and consumers have reduced their spending plans. The central bank’s business outlook indicator fell to 0.07 in the fourth quarter, from a revised 1.74 previously. Firms said rising interest rates and high inflation are crimping ... (full story)