Canadian Dollar: Standard Chartered sees BoC rate hike bets as overdone

A policy rate of 2.25% through end-2026 and 2027 remains the expectation of Standard Chartered economist Dan Pan for the Bank of Canada (BoC), although markets are pricing in a far steeper tightening cycle. In Pan’s view, weak domestic demand, muted core inflation and a soft labour market limit the case for aggressive rate increases, even if the BoC delivers a precautionary hike in October.

BoC expected to hold rates despite market pressure for hikes

"We expect the BoC to stay put despite rising market pressure for rate hikes as early as this month Soft domestic demand and subdued core inflation show little risk of inflationary pressure broadening It is likely to be a close call given the BoC emphasises forward-looking inflation risks and policy setting Even with an October insurance hike, market pricing of the total tightening cycle is excessive, in our view."

"We now expect the Bank of Canada (BoC) to stay put at 2.25% until end-2026 and 2027 (versus a cut in 2026 and a hike in 2027 previously). High oil prices have lowered the likelihood of a near-term rate cut, but sustained economic slack and contained underlying inflation still make a case for the BoC to look through near-term energy price shocks."

"An October hike would be justified by caution, not necessity, in our view. BoC Governor Macklem’s comments since the September meeting emphasise forward-looking inflation risks and the central bank’s willingness to act early."

"While the BoC may deliver one or two hikes in early 2027 if core inflation picks up, we see no strong growth catalyst to justify the 100bps of rate hikes the market has priced in."

"A bullish investment outlook, driven by high commodity prices and AI adoption, could take time to lift growth, while the economy continues to struggle with lingering trade uncertainty."

(This article was created with the help of an Artificial Intelligence tool and reviewed by an editor. Learn more.)