OTTAWA — Economists widely expect the Bank of Canada will hold its benchmark interest rate steady this week and move to the sidelines to cap off a year dominated by trade and economic uncertainty.

The central bank’s policy rate stands at 2.25 per cent heading into its final rate decision of the year on Wednesday — a full point lower than where it started 2025.

Read more: • Trump says ‘We’ll see’ on whether to restart trade talks with Canada • Advocates question Sask. plan for involuntary addictions treatment • No criminal charges after Canada’s crypto tax crackdown reaps millions

As of Friday afternoon, financial markets placed odds of nearly 93 per cent in favour of a rate hold at this week’s meeting, according to LSEG Data & Analytics.

A series of surprisingly strong job report

See Full Page