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January 2024 - What a year! 2023 can justly be described as a rollercoaster ride. As we head into 2024, economic uncertainty continues to top the list of concerns of both households and businesses. To help you see things a little more clearly, once again this year, the January edition of the Economic Letter answers the five questions most frequently asked of BDC economists.

February 2023 - The Bank of Canada raised its trend-setting interest rate last month for what is likely to be the last time in this cycle of rate hikes. What does this mean for inflation this year? When could the first rate cut occur? What are the risks?

March 2024 - The last interest rate hikes on either side of the Canada-U.S. border took place in July 2023. Most central banks around the world have hinted at rate cuts for 2024, but the timing of the first reductions in Canada and the U.S. remains an open question.

June 2023 - Some economic indicators suggest that labour market conditions have eased in recent months. If this is the case, it should be easier for businesses to find workers and pressure for higher wages should finally moderate. However, the national unemployment rate has remained stuck at 5.0% for most of 2023—a historically low level. So, are better labour conditions really in the cards for Canadian entrepreneurs?

March 2023 - In addition to the important role household spending plays in fuelling economic growth, changing consumer behaviours also force businesses to adapt and innovate. In the face of inflation and rising interest rates over the past year, can Canadian consumers afford to spend more on what your business offers?

September 2023 - Canada's population is growing at a record pace, thanks mainly to higher levels of immigration and temporary resident arrivals. The population expanded by over 1.1 million people in 2022 and high growth is set to continue in the coming years. This month's Economic Letter looks at how Canada's growing population is changing our economy and what it means for your business.

April 2023 - In recent weeks, the failure of a pair of U.S. banks has raised concerns about the stability of the global financial system in the face of fast rising interest rates. The U.S. situation has calmed in recent weeks, but risks remain. While the Canadian system is solid thanks to its different structure and regulatory framework, a deterioration in the U.S. would obviously have a significant impact on the Canadian economy. What are the risks surrounding the banking system and what does it mean for your business?

February 2024 - This edition of the Economic Letter looks at the state of consumer spending in Canada, what to expect from consumers in the coming months, and above all, how companies can capitalize on emerging trends to grow their sales.

December 2022 - Recovery from the short but deep recession caused by the COVID-19 pandemic is proving to be more difficult than anticipated a year ago. In 2022, the question has shifted from “is this the end of the pandemic" to "are we in a recession."

July 2024 - The next U.S. election is still four months away, but in the wake of the first presidential debate, many Canadian entrepreneurs are wondering what impact a new Trump administration would have on our economy. Unsurprisingly, their main concern is the toll heightened trade tensions could take on Canada.