The U.S. international trade deficit widened to US$60.9 billion in April from a revised US$56.5 billion (prior US$58.2 billion). Going into the April release, the deficit was expected to widen to US$60 billion from March's initially reported level. Imports jumped 4.5% in April after dropping 3.3% in March. Exports increased...

Canada's merchandise trade surplus deteriorated unexpectedly in April to C$5.1 billion from an upwardly revised C$5.7 billion in March (originally reported as C$5.5 billion). Expectations had been for a slight rise in the surplus to C$5.7 billion. Exports rose by a relatively modest 0.8% (C$0.3 billion), which was more than...

The Bank of Canada defied market expectations and kept the overnight rate steady at 3% indicating that the balance of risks for the inflation outlook have shifted slightly to the upside and "that global growth has been stronger and commodity prices have been sharply higher than expected." The Bank cited...

Despite a climb in exports the trade balance in the US still managed to widen the deficit as record high crude prices and more demand for imported crude offset the positive impact of stronger exports in April. The US released its Trade Balance for April coming in with a widened...

The Bank of Canada proved today that it has a mind of its own. Although financial market participants unanimously expected a quarter point cut in the overnight rate, the Bank decided not to comply. The overnight rate was left unchanged at 3.00%. In addition, there is no longer a reference...