Canadian inflation, as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose by 1.9 per cent in August year-over-year, down from a 2 per cent increase in the previous month. This marks 6-months of consecutive year-over-year growth in the CPI, coinciding with strong labour market conditions. Excluding the impact of lower gasoline prices, the CPI rose by 2.4 per cent year-over-year. The Bank of Canada's three measures of trend inflation remain unchanged to average 2 per cent in August.

In B.C., CPI slowed to 2 per cent year-over-year, down from 2.1 per cent in July. The decline was largely driven by gasoline prices, as global oil prices declined slightly in August due to higher production and soft international demand.  

With Canadian inflation just under 2 per cent, the Bank of Canada will have to turn to other economic indicators at their next meeting on October 28. The Bank will have to consider how to balance a stable domestic economy with continued global uncertainty.   

Copyright British Columbia Real Estate Association. Reprinted with permission.