TD Canada Trust provides a weekly economic highlight report that we choose to share with our clients and those who follow us. This is an easy place to stay current on the broader economic conditions in Canada and the U.S. so that you are better informed to make stronger decisions around your own real estate investments. We are always available to answer any questions or walk through your real estate investment goals for now or in the future.

Full Details of the TD Canada Trust Economic Highlights Here

Canadian Highlights

• Canada’s economy contracted 0.1% in November as the energy sector weighed on growth. Real GDP is tracking a modest 1% (annualized) for the fourth quarter as a whole.
• A “patient” Federal Reserve will mean an even more patient Bank of Canada. Canada’s outlook is even cloudier than that stateside, providing numerous reasons for caution from the central bank.
• In a speech this week, Deputy Governor Wilkins noted that the oil shock is coming through not only on the unemployment rate but also the pace of wage growth. Until there is some clarity on the path of global growth, expect the Bank of Canada to remain on the sidelines.

U.S. Highlights

• Financial markets extended their gains this week. The re-opening of the U.S. government, the dovish FOMC statement, progress in the U.S.-China trade talks and a strong January payroll report all helped to boost sentiment.
• Global growth concerns persisted this week, but the U.S. economy continued to move along nicely. The labor market added 304k new jobs in January, and the ISM manufacturing index improved after a sharp decline in December.
• Even as domestic economic performance remains solid, global growth slowdown did not go unnoticed by the FOMC. The Committee left the fed funds rate unchanged, and went to great lengths to emphasize patience.