Economy

Economy
Some currency forecasters are optimistic about the loonie this year
Investors, hedge funds and industry watchers have been turning bullish on the Canadian dollar as NAFTA talks continue and interest rate hikes creep back.

Economy
Ontario fires back at New York’s ‘Buy American’ policy
Premier Kathleen Wynne says she will never let another state ‘tilt the field in their favour without taking action.’
Economy
Fashion labels count on blue jean comeback amid battle with yoga pants
Last year, imports of elastic knit pants surpassed those of jeans for the first time ever. While the jeanmaking industry has struggled to stave off pressure from stretchy pants, there are signs of a rebound for blue jeans.
Economy
Canada’s GDP shrinks in January amid drop in oil production, Statistics Canada says
Sharp drops in oil production and real estate activity weighed on the Canadian economy in January.
Economy
Most Ontarians fully support free trade, survey finds
Amid Brexit, NAFTA negotiations, support for trade agreements remains strong in Ontario
Economy
U.S. Federal Reserve raises key interest rate, expects 2 more hikes this year
The Fed on Wednesday boosted its key short-term rate by a modest quarter-point to a still-low range of 1.5 per cent to 1.75 per cent and said it will keep shrinking its bond portfolio. The actions mean consumers and businesses will face higher loan rates over time.
Economy
Trade woes, interest rates to significantly slow Canada’s economic growth
Rising interest rates, moderating employment expected to curb household spending in 2018.
Economy
Federal government spending has lifted economy, helped slow household debt, Bank of Canada head says
Stephen Poloz says Ottawa’s recent spending on programs, such as enhanced child benefits and infrastructure, have lifted the economy and pushed interest rates to a level higher than they would have been without government stimulus.
Economy
OECD raises Canada’s economic outlook, warns trade protectionism could hurt global growth
The Paris-based economic think tank says it now expects the Canadian economy to grow 2.2 per cent this year, up from an earlier prediction of 2.1 per cent.
Economy
Canada adds 15,400 jobs, unemployment dips to 5.8% but part-time work surges, full-time positions decline
Statistics Canada’s latest labour force survey, released Friday, showed the country lost 39,300 full-time jobs and generated 54,700 part-time positions in February. It also found the job gains were driven by an increase of 50,300 in public-sector jobs.