Canada : Staff Report for the 2007 Article IV Consultation

This 2007Article IV Consultation highlights that after surging in the first quarter of 2006, real GDP growth in Canada slowed subsequently, in part reflecting a cooling in the United States. Domestic demand remained the main driver of the economy, with private consumption expanding a robust 3¾ percent and business investment growing 8 percent. Financial sector performance remained strong in 2006, largely reflecting continuing benign global market conditions. Long-term interest rates remained low despite monetary tightening, as did spreads on private instruments, reflecting default rates that continue to be low.