As expected by a broad majority of economists, the Bank of Canada just hiked its overnight rate by 25bps to 1.25%, the first hike by a G-7 central bank in 2018.

In raising the rate, the BoC said that “recent data have been strong, inflation is close to target, and the economy is operating roughly at capacity” however in a dovish twist the BOC added that “as uncertainty about the future of NAFTA is weighing increasingly on the outlook, the Bank has incorporated into its projection additional negative judgement on business investment and trade.

From the bank’s forecasts:

In Canada, real GDP growth is expected to slow to 2.2 per cent in 2018 and 1.6 per cent in 2019, following an estimated 3.0 per cent in 2017. Growth is expected to remain above potential through the first quarter of 2018 and then slow to a rate close to potential for the rest of the projection horizon.

The central bank also sees the following key indicators:

CPI Inflation Y/Y:

• 2017 Q2:1.3%, last 1.3%
• 2017 Q3:1.4%, last 1.4%
• 2017 Q4:1.8%, last 1.4%
• 2018 Q1:1.7%

Real GDP Y/Y:

• 2017 Q2:3.6%, last 3.7%
• 2017 Q3:3.0%, last 3.1%
• 2017 Q4:3.0%, last 3.1%
• 2018 Q1:2.7%

However, what appears to have spooked traders is the general dovish context of the statement:

Looking forward, consumption and residential investment are expected to contribute less to growth, given higher interest rates and new mortgage guidelines, while business investment and exports are expected to contribute more. The Bank’s outlook takes into account a small benefit to Canada’s economy from stronger US demand arising from recent tax changes. However, as uncertainty about the future of NAFTA is weighing increasingly on the outlook, the Bank has incorporated into its projection additional negative judgement on business investment and trade.

As a result of the unexpected dovish addition, while the loonie initially kneejerked higher, it has since given up all gains and is now near the lows of the day.

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