TORONTO — Five things to watch for in the Canadian business world in the coming week:
Inflation
Statistics Canada will release its inflation reading for March on Tuesday, the final economic data point ahead of the Bank of Canada interest rate decision set for Wednesday. The consumer price index was up 2.6 per cent year-over-year in February following an increase of 1.9 per cent in January.
Home sales
The Canadian Real Estate Association will release its housing sales figures for March on Tuesday and its updated quarterly forecast. February saw home sales fall to their lowest level in more than a year amid the uncertainty created by the trade war with the United States.
Bank of Canada
The Bank of Canada will release its latest interest rate announcement and monetary policy report on Wednesday. The central bank cut its key policy rate by a quarter of a percentage point to 2.75 per cent last month. The summary of deliberations for that decision suggested the central bank likely would have paused the interest rate easing cycle if not for the substantial uncertainty around tariffs from the United States.
Metro results
Metro Inc. will release its second-quarter results and hold a conference call with financial analysts and investors on Wednesday morning. Metro chief executive Eric La Flèche said earlier this year that a weak loonie and tariffs could drive food prices higher.
Election debates
The federal election campaign heads into its fourth week with the Liberals leading in the polls. It is debate week with the leaders squaring off in a debate in French on Wednesday and in English on Thursday.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 13, 2025.
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