Bank of Canada Holds Key Rate Steady at 1.25%

The central bank warns about risks from geopolitical and trade conflicts

OTTAWA—Canada’s central bank held its benchmark interest rate steady Wednesday as it warned that rising geopolitical and trade conflicts risk undermining global growth.

In keeping its main interest rate at 1.25%, the Bank of Canada said it anticipates inflation will move higher this year before returning close to its 2% target in 2019. Canada’s export and investment levels, while expected to strengthen, continue to be held back by competitiveness challenges and trade uncertainty, the bank said.

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