OTTAWA – The Bank of Canada says companies’ investment in equipment and hiring intentions for the next 12 months have tumbled to their lowest levels since the 2009 recession.
The central bank released its latest business outlook survey that suggests Canadian businesses see a darker road ahead as they continue to battle the bite of a commodity-price shock that has reached beyond the resource sector.
The results found companies’ expectations for this year deteriorated with the price plunge being felt across most regions and industries.
MORE: Oil slump enters ‘second round’ as pinch spreads far beyond oil patch
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The quarterly survey’s interviews were conducted between mid-November and early December, before oil prices and the dollar slid even further.
Falling loonie
Some exporters remain optimistic their sales will benefit from strengthening foreign demand over the coming year, particularly amid widespread expectations of growth in the U.S. economy.
The questionnaire also found that some firms believe the lower dollar will boost foreign sales and tourism-related business.
But at the same time, the cheaper loonie hikes up the costs of products and services companies need to import from outside Canada.
MORE: Latest coverage — the plunging loonie
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