Canada’s Inflation Is Lower Than The US, But Forecast To Be High For Longer: BMO

From low-for-long to high-for-longer, Canada may not have inflation under control. A new report from BMO Capital Markets forecasts the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for Canada, and the US will taper into next year. Despite US inflation being much higher, it’s expected to fall below Canada’s rate and start 2024 at a more stable level.

Canadian Inflation Is Growing At A 31-Year High 

Canadian inflation was the highest in over 31 years,  last month. Annual CPI came in at 6.7% for March but is currently forecast to taper. Even with a slower half to the year, BMO sees 2022 averaging 6.5% — more than 3x the central bank’s target rate. 

By next year, they expect a more modest inflation jump, but it’s still high. The forecast for 2023 is an average of 3.5%, with the fourth quarter falling to 2.8% annual growth. It would be the first time since 2020 that Canada fell within the target range but remains higher than the actual target rate. 

US Inflation Is At A 40-Year High, But Expected To Cool Rapidly

US inflation is higher but expected to cool much faster. US CPI showed annual growth of 8.5% in March, a 40-year high for the index. The average for 2022 is expected to fall to 7.7% — lower but still really high. 

Next year is when US inflation is forecast to come under control rapidly. Growth for 2023 is forecast at an average of 3.5%, with the fourth quarter falling to just 2.5% annual CPI growth. That’s a sharp slowdown, especially considering how high the current rate is.

Both Canada and the US are forecast to see CPI slow to less than 3% next year. However, in the fourth quarter, US growth is forecast at 2.5% vs. Canada’s 2.8%. This implies 2024 will be off to a better start in the US, finally reaching a more stable rate of inflation. Having a higher neutral rate in the US, also gives them more room to fight inflation aggressively. 

The BoC warning they may need to go above the neutral rate of interest to control inflation is something to keep in mind. The US has a higher neutral interest rate and may need to keep hiking after Canada hits its neutral. If Canada wants to keep up with the US, it would have to risk contracting the economy to bring inflation lower. 

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  • Alan 2 years ago

    As a Gen X man, there are days where I wonder if it’s all worth it. To work harder, get taxed at a higher bracket, and the rents in the GTA are currently $1,699+ for a one-bedroom apartment.

    How do minimum wage workers survive? Many jobs are temp agency jobs which pay minimum wage or low wages. Is there a future in that?

    When basic food prices go up by 35% in a year, like eggs, milk and frozen fruits, but Tiff Macklem is forced not to see inflation due to the clout of the real estate barons, is Canada really free?

    • Kate 2 years ago

      Not at all guys. See how the media is censored.

      • Alan 2 years ago

        True. A few real estate agents also get threatened by the realtor industry for posting listings which go against the “prices will always rise” rhetoric.
        There were also cases where private citizens were criminally charged for libel for posting a critical remark of a public sector worker or real estate agent.
        Why bother working 60 hours a week for a month to pay half of that in taxes, and the rest in rent and food?

    • RainCityRyan 2 years ago

      Show me a better ponzi scheme out there and I’m all in.

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