Wednesday, December 23, 2015

The Consumer Price Index

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 1.4 per cent in November compared to the same month last year. While the transportation component, which contains gasoline prices, edged lower, prices were up in seven of the eight major index components. The largest increase came from food prices, which rose 3.4 per cent. The Core CPI, which excludes the volatile components like food and gasoline, was right on the Bank of Canada's target of 2 per cent.

Wholesale trade in Canada declined for the fourth consecutive month in October, down by 0.6 per cent. Wholesales sales in BC were down 1.2 per cent in October and it was the second consecutive month of decline in BC. The inventory-to-sales ratio in Canada during October was 1.34 per cent, reaching its highest level since June of 2009.

These tepid indicators suggest the Bank of Canada will continue its sideline stance and will likely not change its trend-setting target overnight interest rate at its next announcement.


Copyright BCREA – reprinted with permission 

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