Central Banks

Bank of Canada Slows Rate Hikes in Move Markets Hope Fed Follows

  • Macklem boosted benchmark by half a point, less than forecast
  • Powell still seen increasing by 75 basis points next week
Watch: The Bank of Canada raises interest rates by 50 basis points. Source: Bloomberg
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The Bank of Canada signaled it’s nearing the end of its interest-rate hiking campaign, potentially providing a model for counterparts elsewhere as recession risks mount.

The central bank unexpectedly slowed its pace of rate increases on Wednesday, amid concern Canada’s economy is already flirting with a recession. Governor Tiff Macklem boosted the benchmark overnight lending rate by 50 basis points, instead of the three-quarter move expected by markets and most economists.