Retail sales declined in line with expectations in February.

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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Bank of Canada: On hold, a highly uncertain outlook means no guidance
The Bank of Canada held its policy rate unchanged at 2.75%, after cutting seven consecutive times, in line with our expectations.
Inflation eased, but broadening inflationary pressures to push for a BoC pause
Inflation eased to 2.3% in March from 2.6%, much weaker than expected.
The Lost Decade(s): or how the oil boom masked Canada’s economic mediocrity
Many observers have noted Canada’s underperformance in terms of GDP per capita relative to other industrialized countries since 2015. A period often referred to as “the lost decade”.
Insolvencies were on an easing trend in early 2025, the trade war is likely to put an end to that
Insolvencies declined by 4.4% m-o-m on a seasonally-adjusted basis (SA) in February, following an increase in January.
The drop in employment in March could signal the start of the recession
Employment dropped 33k in March, much weaker than expected. The unemployment rate edged higher to 6.7%, but would have increased more if it were not for the decline in the participation rate.