Bank of Canada Considers Impact of Middle East Conflict on Economy

The Bank of Canada Governor, Tiff Macklem, stated that it is too early to assess the impact of the Middle East conflict on Canada's economic growth. According to RTHK, Macklem noted that the risk of rising energy costs spreading to broader prices remains under control. He emphasized that if energy prices show signs of causing sustained inflation, the Bank of Canada may raise interest rates, ensuring that the effects of high energy prices do not lead to persistent inflation. Macklem mentioned that the duration of the energy price increase cannot be measured in weeks, but the central bank still has time to evaluate the situation. The bank anticipates that a significant rise in gasoline prices will drive overall inflation higher in the coming months. Economic growth in the short term may be weaker than the bank's January forecast, but uncertainty remains high. Macklem highlighted the dilemma faced by the central bank, as weak economic growth coexists with rising inflation. Raising interest rates to curb inflation could further weaken the economy, while lowering rates to support growth risks pushing inflation beyond the target. In its latest meeting, the Bank of Canada maintained the interest rate at 2.25%, as expected. The market currently anticipates that the central bank will keep rates unchanged at its next meeting on April 29.