Improving Canadian economy not a siren for rate hike - Reuters poll

Almost half the analysts polled by Reuters suggest that Canada's growth prospects this year have improved, and the Bank of Canada was right in being cautious in raising rates amid a lack of clarity on U.S. trade policy.

Key highlights (via Reuters)

• 20 of 27 analysts say Bank of Canada right in looking past recent signs of improvement in the economy
• Canada GDP to average 2.1 pct in 2017, 2.0 pct in 2018 (1.9 pct, 1.9 pct in Jan poll)
• Bank of Canada to leave rates on hold at 0.50 pct on April 12; hike 25 bps to 0.75 pct in q1 2018 (vs q2 2018 in March poll)
• U.S. trade policy top risk to Canada's economy in 2017