Weaker-than-expected GDP knowledge ultimate week most likely sealed the deal for a charge grasp day after today by way of the Financial institution of Canada. However now not all economists are satisfied that this marks the tip of the present rate-hike cycle.

Statistics Canada reported on Friday that second-quarter financial enlargement shrunk by way of 0.2% in comparison to Q1, smartly down from the Financial institution of Canada’s 1.5% forecast for the quarter.

The unexpected slowdown in financial enlargement, along side emerging unemployment and easing inflation, firmed up the consensus expectation for a charge grasp at day after today’s financial coverage assembly.

It additionally led to a couple suggesting we’re now reached the tip of the present rate-hike cycle.

“The huge softening within the home economic system will nearly indisputably transfer the BoC to the sidelines at subsequent week’s charge resolution after back-to-back hikes,” wrote BMO leader economist Douglas Porter. “Between the half-point upward thrust within the unemployment charge, the marked slowing in GDP, and a few cooling in core inflation, it now seems like charge hikes are over and completed.”

However now not everyone seems to be satisfied.

“I feel [the Bank of Canada] must have convenience to ship every other charge hike at this level, however they’re going to most certainly search the duvet of the newest GDP figures and defer a fuller forecast evaluation to the October assembly during which level they’re going to even have much more knowledge,” wrote Scotiabank’s Derek Holt.

“Nonetheless, I’m not sure that charge hikes are completed,” he persevered. “The Governor has been transparent {that a} protracted duration of tangible GDP enlargement under-performing doable GDP enlargement will likely be required so as to open up disinflationary slack within the economic system. In simple language, he realizes he has to wreck a couple of issues so as to reach his inflation targets. I don’t suppose he has the boldness up to now to mention that they’re obviously on this sort of trail.”

On Inflation:

• Nationwide Financial institution: “Sadly, it’s on CPI inflation the place policymakers will and must nonetheless really feel uneasy. The re-acceleration in July will proceed in August (due most commonly to gasoline costs and base results) and may just push headline inflation just about 4%. The BoC doesn’t be expecting a specifically benign inflation setting within the close to time period, noting in July that worth enlargement must “hover round 3% for the following yr.” Governing Council will subsequently tolerate some near-term upside pressures, specifically if it comes with weak point in different places within the economic system. On the other hand, a stabilization above 3% can be problematic and may just imply further tightening.”

On long run charge hikes:

• Desjardins: “There’s been enough weak point within the economic system to warrant a pause on Wednesday, even with inflation knowledge that can depart policymakers feeling uneasy. We think that July’s hike will end up to be the ultimate of this tightening cycle and up to date knowledge enhance that view.”
• TD Economics: “We predict [the economic slowdown] will proceed, justifying our name for the BoC to stay at the sidelines for the remainder of this yr.” (Supply)
• Scotiabank: “The Governor must remember that marketplace prerequisites have eased of overdue and cautious to not force an additional easing that would replay the rally in 5-year GoC bonds previous this yr that arrange inexpensive mortgages and drove a Spring housing increase.” (Supply)

On GDP:

• TD Economics: “Whilst federal govt transfers in July would possibly lead to a momentary spice up within the 3rd quarter, we consider Canada has entered a degree of beneath development financial enlargement. This must proceed thru the remainder of this yr, because the affect of top rates of interest paintings during the economic system to forestall every other acceleration in call for.” 

The next are the newest rate of interest and bond yield forecasts from the Large 6 banks, with any adjustments from their earlier forecasts in parenthesis.