Canada's Inflation Eases Amid Gasoline Price Drop: Economic Forecast Brightens

Canada's annual inflation rate eased to 1.7% in July, driven by a significant drop in gasoline prices. The decline in consumer prices increases the likelihood of a potential interest rate cut. Key contributors to inflation included rising food and shelter costs, while core inflation measures hovered near the upper target range.

Canada's inflation rate eased to 1.7% in July, down from 1.9% in June, as lower gasoline prices kept the consumer price index subdued, according to data released on Tuesday. The decline bolstered hopes for an interest rate cut in September, with economists optimistic about the three-month average of core measures falling below 3%.

Statistics Canada reported a 16.1% annual decrease in gasoline prices in July, following a 13.4% dip in June. Monthly fuel prices also dropped due to easing geopolitical tensions and increased crude oil output. The removal of a carbon levy on petrol purchases further contributed to the decline, maintaining downward pressure on the CPI basket.

The Canadian dollar weakened slightly, trading down 0.23%, as money markets adjusted expectations for a rate cut on September 17 to 40%. Key drivers of increasing costs included a rise in food and shelter prices, with food prices accounting for 17% of the overall CPI basket rising by 3.3% and shelter costs marking a 3% increase.

(With inputs from agencies.)