RBA Expected to Raise Interest Rates by 25 Basis Points in February, ANZ Forecast Says 
Bank of Japan Signals Cautious Path Toward Further Rate Hikes Amid Yen Weakness 
South Korea Vows Action to Stabilize Won as Currency Weakens Despite Strong Fundamentals 
China Holds Loan Prime Rates Steady in January as Market Expectations Align 
Thailand Economy Faces Competitiveness Challenges as Strong Baht and U.S. Tariffs Pressure Exports 
Fed Confirms Rate Meeting Schedule Despite Severe Winter Storm in Washington D.C. 
U.S. Urges Japan on Monetary Policy as Yen Volatility Raises Market Concerns 
BOJ Rate Decision in Focus as Yen Weakness and Inflation Shape Market Outlook 
Bank of Korea Expected to Hold Interest Rates as Weak Won Limits Policy Easing 
The Bank of Canada maintained its benchmark rate at 2.25%, in line with expectations, stating that its outlook for GDP and inflation has remained basically unchanged since October, albeit uncertainty continues to weigh on it. Trade tensions and tariffs are likely to hamper economic activity until the end of 2025, with growth forecast at 1.1% in 2026 and 1.5% in 2027.
The BoC expects inflation to ease further as temporary base effects from last year’s GST/HST holiday fade, allowing inflation to stay near the 2% target as excess supply offsets tariff-related cost pressures.
Policymakers said elevated uncertainty makes it difficult to predict the timing or direction of the next rate move, reinforcing a data-dependent approach. While the decision was widely expected, the Bank highlighted that geopolitical developments could impact the outlook in 2026.
