Today’s release of the monthly GDP shows that the Canadian economy was strong ahead of the tariff shock
Economic News
To help make credit unions innovation ready, Alberta Central’s Chief Economist Charles St-Arnaud shares his analysis of the latest economic news. These commentaries and insights papers will help you understand what economic trends mean and how they could impact your credit union.
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Economic updates
Subscribe now to receive economic analysis, insights and thought leadership from Alberta Central’s Chief Economist Charles St-Arnaud.
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Economic News
Retail sales remained above pre-GST holiday level, but the elevated uncertainty will be a major drag
Retail sales declined more than expected in January and the preliminary estimate for February suggests another easing in retail spending
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Economic News
Small business confidence is at its lowest on record
The latest Business Barometer from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) shows that the Canadian economy is in the midst of a perfect storm, and growth is coming to a halt due to the uncertainty surrounding tariffs.
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Economic News
The end of the GST holiday is not the only reason inflation flared up in February
Inflation jumped to 2.6% in February, much stronger than expected, yet remaining in line with the BoC’s inflation target.
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Economic News
Trade uncertainty remains a drag on the housing sector, especially in Ontario
Housing activity eased in February for a third consecutive month. Most of the decline comes from significantly lower activity in Ontario, where the number of housing transactions is at its lowest since the early days of the pandemic.
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Economic News
Households’ debt burden increases, but the debt-service ratio continues to creep lower
Households’ indebtedness increased slightly in 2024Q4, the first increase since 2023Q1, but remained close to its lowest level since 2015, if we exclude the pandemic