Bank of Canada maintains policy rate at 2.25%

The Bank of Canada today held its target for the overnight rate at 2.25%, with the Bank Rate at 2.5% and the deposit rate at 2.20%.

The evolving conflict in the Middle East is causing heightened volatility, and US trade policy continues to reshape global trade patterns. Both are ongoing sources of uncertainty. The Bank’s April outlook assumes tariffs remain unchanged and the global benchmark price of oil declines to US$75 per barrel by mid 2027. 

CPI inflation will likely rise further in April to about 3%. Assuming oil prices ease, inflation is forecast to return to the 2% target early next year and remain around 2% over the projection horizon.  

Against this backdrop and taking into account the current projection, the Governing Council decided to maintain the policy rate at 2.25%.

“We are closely monitoring the impact of the conflict in the Middle East and the economy’s response to US tariffs and trade policy uncertainty. Governing Council is looking through the war’s immediate impact on inflation, but will not let higher energy prices become persistent inflation. As the outlook evolves, we stand ready to respond as needed. The Bank is committed to maintaining Canadians’ confidence in price stability through this period of global upheaval.”