Today’s news: Trending business stories for December 19, 2023 – Canada Boosts

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High story

Inflation is available in at 3.1% in November, above Financial institution of Canada goal

Canada’s price of inflation rose 3.1 per cent in November in comparison with final yr, Statistics Canada mentioned Tuesday.

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The patron value index report exhibits progress on easing inflation stalled as increased costs for recreation and clothes put upward stress on headline inflation. Economists had anticipated the speed of inflation to come back in between one and three per cent.

The inflation price was 3.1 per cent in October.

Excluding risky meals and vitality readings, the buyer value index elevated 3.5 per cent in November, after rising 3.4 per cent in October.

Mortgage curiosity prices rose 29.8 per cent and grocery costs had been up 4.7 per cent from a yr in the past, marking a slowdown from 5.4 per cent in October. Hire elevated 7.4 per cent.

Costs for providers had been unchanged final month, rising 4.6 per cent yr over yr, as increased costs for journey excursions had been offset by decrease costs for mobile phone providers.

The Bank of Canada has been inspired by the latest slowdown in inflation and the economic system total, opting to carry its key rate of interest regular at 5 per cent over the previous couple of months.

Forecasters count on the central financial institution’s subsequent transfer shall be to chop rates of interest as soon as it feels extra assured that inflation is heading again to 2 per cent.

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Monetary Submit, The Canadian Press


7:30 a.m.

S&P raises Alberta’s credit standing on robust oil value outlook

Alberta’s credit rating was raised one level by S&P Global Ratings. The province is benefiting from strong oil prices with bitumen royalties expected to be about $1.8 billion more than initially expected in the current fiscal year.
Alberta’s credit standing was raised one degree by S&P International Scores. The province is benefiting from robust oil costs with bitumen royalties anticipated to be about $1.8 billion greater than initially anticipated within the present fiscal yr. Photograph by Jeff McIntosh/The Canadian Press

Alberta’s credit standing was raised one degree by S&P International Scores on expectations that strong oil prices and measures to handle bills will maintain the province’s debt burden in verify.

The oil-rich province’s credit standing was lifted to AA-, the fourth-highest out there, from A+, S&P mentioned in a notice Dec. 18. The outlook on the score was “stable,” the agency mentioned.

Alberta is benefiting from robust oil costs with bitumen royalties anticipated to be about $1.8 billion greater than initially anticipated within the present fiscal yr, in keeping with a latest price range replace. That helped swell the provincial authorities’s projected fiscal surplus to C$5.5 billion.

“We expect that Alberta will be able to carry this momentum into the next two years as it continues to produce after-capital surpluses,” S&P mentioned.

These surpluses ought to restrict Alberta’s debt burden to about 127% of working income, serving to the province totally service its debt with inside liquidity, the credit standing agency mentioned. Dangers to the forecast embrace recession, a “significant” drop in oil costs, surprising shifts in insurance policies or ineffective monetary administration, in keeping with S&P.

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The rankings agency additionally mentioned that it may elevate Alberta’s rankings within the subsequent two years if the province may “meaningfully diversify its economy and decrease its dependence on resource revenues,” although it deemed it unlikely.

Kevin Orland, Bloomberg


Inventory markets earlier than the opening bell

stock market December 19, 2023

Europe’s Stoxx 600 fairness index gained 0.3 per cent whereas United States futures had been little modified after the Nasdaq 100 hit a file excessive Monday for the second consecutive session.

In Canada, the S&P/TSX composite index closed up 93.56 factors at 20,622.71.

Bloomberg


What to observe at this time

Inflation information for November is out this morning with the discharge of the conumser value index for November from Statistics Canada. Additionally on faucet are industrial product and uncooked materials costs indices and U.S. housing begins and constructing permits for November.

Surroundings Minister Steven Guilbeault will define the main points of his plan to ultimately part out the sale of gas-powered autos in Canada.

FedEx Corp., Accenture PLC launch earnings.

Associated Tales

Want a refresher on yesterday’s high headlines? Get caught up here.

Further reporting by The Canadian Press, Related Press and Bloomberg


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