Canadian inflation, as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose by 1.9 per cent in October year-over-year, matching the increase in September. This marks 7-months of consecutive year-over-year growth in the CPI. Excluding the impact of higher gasoline prices, the CPI rose by 2.3 per cent year-over-year. The Bank of Canada's three measures of trend inflation remain unchanged to average 2 per cent in October.

In B.C., CPI slowed to 2.2 per cent year-over-year, down from 2.4 per cent in September. The decline was largely driven by recreation, education and reading, while notable increases were reported in gasoline, transportation and clothing and footwear prices. 

With Canadian inflation hovering at 2 per cent, the Bank of Canada will likely continue its dovish-to-neutral tone. The Bank will need to see a deterioration in the economic indicators before taking action.

Copyright British Columbia Real Estate Association. Reprinted with permission.