Retail saw a rebound in part due to the continued lifting of COVID-related restrictions across Canada. However, after spending mainly on goods in the last year, spending on services should increase, leading to weakness in retail sales.

With inflation above the Bank of Canada’s target of 2% and no signs of moderation on the horizon, we believe the central bank is gradually getting concerned by the inflation outlook.

The Alberta housing market remains strong, with the number of transactions still close to a record. After some moderation, the level of activity in the housing market seems to be stabilizing at a high level.

Economic commentary by Alberta Central’s Chief Economist Charles St-Arnaud on the most recent Labour Force Survey data.

Economic commentary by Alberta Central’s Chief Economist Charles St-Arnaud on the modest increase in insolvencies so far this year.

Economic commentary by Alberta Central’s Chief Economist Charles St-Arnaud on how the weather affected the Canadian economy in July.