Bank of Canada leaves Key Rate unchanged

This morning marked the fourth of eight scheduled meetings for 2011 by the Bank of Canada.  No surprises, the BOC left the rate unchanged. This keeps the Bank Prime rate at 3.00% and keeps those Variable rate mortgages well under 3.00%.  Great news for borrowers.

In their press release, the BOC noted concerns about the high Canadian $dollar… increasing the BOC rate would probably mean an even higher $CAD, putting more pressure on Canada’s exports.   The  $CAD is currently $1.02US.  Still, the BOC is concerned about inflation and keeping inflation within the Target Zone of between 1.00% and 3.00% has always been one of the biggest factors that drive BOC policies.   “…inflation expectations remain well-anchored.”

The next BOC meeting is July 19… right now, it does not appear as though we will see any hikes until September or later…