As predicted, the Bank of Canada leaves rates at 1%, citing:
The recovery in Canada is proceeding slightly faster than expected, and there is more evidence of the anticipated rebalancing of demand. While consumption growth remains strong, there are signs that household spending is moving more in line with the growth in household incomes. Business investment continues to expand rapidly as companies take advantage of stimulative financial conditions and respond to competitive imperatives. There is early evidence of a recovery in net exports, supported by stronger U.S. activity and global demand for commodities. However, the export sector continues to face considerable challenges from the cumulative effects of the persistent strength in the Canadian dollar and Canada’s poor relative productivity performance.
While global inflationary pressures are rising, inflation in Canada has been consistent with the Bank’s expectations. Underlying pressures affecting prices remain subdued, reflecting the considerable slack in the economy.
This language is similar to the previous release, and suggests that at the April 12th release that the Bank of Canada, barring any major events between now and then, will be keeping rates steady at 1% for that meeting.
BAX Futures are a shade higher, although it should be noted that the June future is at 98.545, implying a coin toss for a 0.25% rate hike at the May 31, 2011 announcement.