Canadian stock index futures slipped on Monday as investors digested the latest inflation figures. The country’s annual inflation rate rose to 3.1% in September, a four‑month high, largely driven by higher gasoline prices, but slightly undershot market expectations of 3.2%. Even so, the policy outlook for the Bank of Canada remains tilted to the hawkish side, with officials emphasizing upside risks to inflation.
Governor Tiff Macklem said on Saturday that the central bank expects to lift its quarterly inflation forecast significantly this month, reinforcing the more hawkish tone he struck last week regarding energy‑related inflationary pressures. Oil prices stayed elevated amid attacks on tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, keeping inflation risks in focus.
In corporate news, Reliance Worldwide reported that no rival bidder emerged during the “go‑shop” period under Brookfield’s proposed acquisition of the company.
