The U.S. economy is forecasted to be growing rapidly, which is causing concern for the Federal Reserve and those hoping for low interest rates.
Despite a slight increase in Canada's inflation rate last month, the Bank of Canada remains determined to bring it down to 2%, with the possibility of another rate hike being considered in September. However, some economists believe that the positive overall figures may allow the Bank to pause on rate increases without a significant negative impact.
China's economic slowdown, marked by falling consumer prices, a deepening real estate crisis, and a slump in exports, has alarmed international leaders and investors, causing Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index to fall into a bear market and prompting major investment banks to downgrade their growth forecasts for China below 5%.
The Bank of Canada may shift its focus from the output gap to labor market indicators, such as unemployment and wages, in order to make inflation forecasts and guide its interest rate decisions, according to a report by CIBC economists. The report suggests that the labor market has become a more reliable indicator of excess demand or supply, and forecasts that if the job market outlook suggests it's not necessary, there may be no more rate hikes this year and rate cuts in early 2024.
China's unexpected economic slowdown, driven by excessive investment in the property sector and local government spending, is leading experts to question whether a collapse is imminent, although they believe a sudden collapse is unlikely due to China's controlled financial system; however, the slowdown will have implications for global growth and emerging markets, particularly if the U.S. enters a recession next year.
European Central Bank policymakers are increasingly concerned about deteriorating growth prospects and there is growing momentum for a pause in rate hikes as major economic indicators come in below expectations, suggesting a recession is now a distinct possibility.
Canada's second-quarter GDP report is expected to show a significant slowdown in economic growth, potentially leading to a pause in interest rate hikes by the Bank of Canada despite recent high inflation data.
Canada's upcoming gross domestic product (GDP) reading is expected to be closely watched by the Bank of Canada (BoC) ahead of its September interest rate decision, with economists predicting a slowdown in the second quarter that could lead to a pause in interest rate hikes despite higher-than-expected inflation. The impact of recent wildfires and a dock workers strike is also expected to affect the data.
Canadian banks Bank of Montreal (BMO.TO) and Bank of Nova Scotia (BNS.TO) reported lower-than-expected quarterly profits due to increased provisions for bad loans caused by the Bank of Canada's interest rate hikes, which have slowed the housing market and increased consumer debt.
The Bank of Canada is expected to keep its key interest rate steady at 5.00% and maintain that level until at least the end of March 2024, despite rising inflation and a revival in the housing market, according to economists in a Reuters poll.
The global economy is expected to slow down due to persistently high inflation, higher interest rates, China's slowing growth, and financial system stresses, according to Moody's Investors Service, although there may be pockets of resilience in markets like India and Indonesia.
British Columbia Premier David Eby has urged the Bank of Canada to halt further interest rate hikes, stating that another increase could worsen inflation and harm struggling Canadians. Eby emphasized the impact of rising rates on housing and called for a targeted approach to fighting inflation, focusing on housing and infrastructure improvements.
Canada's economy unexpectedly contracted in the second quarter, raising concerns of a possible recession, as declines in housing investment and slower exports and household spending impacted growth. This is likely to lead the central bank to hold interest rates steady.
Stock investors have been reacting positively to "bad economic news" as it may imply a slowdown in the economy and a potential halt to interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve, however, for this trend to change, economic data would have to be much worse than it is currently.
China's economy is showing signs of slowing down, including a decrease in GDP growth rate, declining exports, deflationary consumer price index, high youth unemployment, a weakening yuan, and a decrease in new loans, which could have global implications.
The global economic slowdown and U.S. recession risks are causing concern among officials, with experts discussing recession forecasts and advising investors on portfolio and sector strategies.
Analysts have lowered their short-term forecasts for the Canadian dollar due to China's weakening economy and the widening yield gap between the US and Canada, but still project the currency to strengthen in the long term.
The Bank of England has decided to halt interest rate rises due to unexpected inflation slowdown, while housing markets in major global economies, including the US, Germany, and the UK, are showing signs of slowing down. Additionally, there have been developments in various countries' economic outlooks and key interest rates.
