麻豆影视

Skip to main content

Business gloom deepens as sales moderate, Bank of Canada survey finds

Share
OTTAWA -

 Canadian business sentiment continued to weaken in the third quarter, according to the Bank of Canada's latest business outlook survey, as companies said they expect sales growth to slow over the coming year.

The Bank of Canada said on Monday that its business outlook survey indicator came in at its lowest level in more than a decade, except for a brief period early in the COVID-19 pandemic when the economy was shut down.

"This slowdown in demand is ... weighing on businesses' plans for investment and employment," the report said.

The survey found the negative effects of rising interest rates are spreading, with more businesses thinking higher rates will restrain both sales and investment plans.

A third of the firms responding said sales have fallen over the past year amid a widespread slowing of demand.

The survey also suggested that inflation expectations among businesses have edged down, though they remain above pre-pandemic levels. It noted that many expect it will take longer than three years for inflation to return to the Bank of Canada's two per cent target.

The share of companies planning for a recession in the coming year held steady at about one-third.

Meanwhile, the bank's Canadian survey of consumer expectations suggested expectations of inflation remain elevated. The report noted the gap between perception and actual inflation is unusually wide.

It said the rising cost of living remains the most pressing concern for consumers and that many expect the impact of higher interest rates on households is far from over.

"Those expecting more adverse effects ahead are less likely to plan major purchases," the consumer report said.

"Overall, consumers reported that they are more likely to spend on discretionary items like vacations and concerts than buy items usually financed with loans, such as cars or appliances."

BMO economist Shelly Kaushik said in a note to clients that the "Bank of Canada's aggressive rate hikes are working as intended, with both businesses and consumers expecting a slowdown in activity.

"However, policymakers will take note that inflation and wage expectations remain well above target, and are only receding slowly. The broadly downbeat tone of these surveys support our call for the bank to remain on hold, with a tightening bias, at next week's meeting."

TD Bank economist Maria Solovieva noted one concern in the report was that some businesses continue passing along the uncommonly large cost increases from earlier in the pandemic through to customers.

"On the other hand, according to the bank's own research, the extent of the pass-through depends on the competitive pressures in the marketplace and the strength of consumer demand, both of which are becoming less favourable," Solovieva wrote.

The Bank of Canada's next interest rate decision and monetary policy report are set for Oct. 25.

The central bank kept its key interest rate target on hold at five per cent last month but has said repeatedly that it is prepared to raise rates again if needed to bring inflation back to its target of two per cent.

Statistics Canada reported the annual inflation rate ticked up to four per cent in August, while the September reading is expected Tuesday.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 16, 2023.

CTVNews.ca Top Stories

Why brain aging can vary dramatically between people

Researchers are uncovering deeper insights into how the human brain ages and what factors may be tied to healthier cognitive aging, including exercising, avoiding tobacco, speaking a second language or even playing a musical instrument.

The union representing some 1,200 dockworkers at the Port of Montreal has overwhelmingly rejected a deal with their employers association.

A man who was critically injured in a police-involved shooting in Hamilton late Sunday afternoon has died in hospital, says the province鈥檚 police watchdog.

opinion

opinion How to transition from renting to owning a home in Canada

In his column for CTVNews.ca, personal finance contributor Christopher Liew offers a step-by-step guide on how to make the shift from renting to becoming a homeowner, and what you can start doing today to help the process go smoother.

Local Spotlight

For the second year in a row, the 鈥楪ift-a-Family鈥 campaign is hoping to make the holidays happier for children and families in need throughout Barrie.

Some of the most prolific photographers behind CTV Skywatch Pics of the Day use the medium for fun, therapy, and connection.

A young family from Codroy Valley, N.L., is happy to be on land and resting with their newborn daughter, Miley, after an overwhelming, yet exciting experience at sea.

As Connor Nijsse prepared to remove some old drywall during his garage renovation, he feared the worst.

A group of women in Chester, N.S., has been busy on the weekends making quilts 鈥 not for themselves, but for those in need.

A Vancouver artist whose streetside singing led to a chance encounter with one of the world's biggest musicians is encouraging aspiring performers to try their hand at busking.

Ten-thousand hand-knit poppies were taken from the Sanctuary Arts Centre and displayed on the fence surrounding the Dartmouth Cenotaph on Monday.

A Vancouver man is saying goodbye to his nine-to-five and embarking on a road trip from the Canadian Arctic to Antarctica.

Stay Connected