Canadian Dollar surges sharply on upbeat Bank of Canada statement. BoC left overnight rate target unchanged at 0.50% as widely expected. The central bank noted in the accompany statement that "recent data indicate that economic growth has been faster than was expected in the January MPR". Growth for 2017 through 2019 is expected to "remain above potential". Real GDP growth is projected to 2.5% in 2017, revised up from January projection of 2.1%. Inflation, however, is expected to dip in the months ahead but return to 2% target as the "output gap closes". And BoC concluded by noting that it "acknowledges the strength of recent data, some of which is temporary, and is mindful of the significant uncertainties weighing on the outlook."
China Xi urged Trump to deal with North Korea through peaceful means
It's reported that Chinese President Xi Jinping called US President Donald Trump just four days after the face-to-face summit in Florida. The People's Daily in China noted that Xi advocates resolving the problem in Korean peninsula through "peaceful means". And Xi expressed his willingness to "maintain communication and coordination with the US" on the issue. Xi also stressed that "China insists on realizing the goal of denuclearization of the peninsula." Separately, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang said in a regular news conference that "It is irresponsible and even dangerous to take any actions that may escalate the tension" in Korean Peninsula. And, "all relevant parties should exercise restraint and keep calm, ease the tension instead of provoking each other and adding fuel to the fire."
Russian President Putin said relationship with US worsened under Trump administration
In Russia, President Vladimir Putin complained in a TV interview that level of trust with US has dropped after Trump became President of US. Putin said that "the working level of confidence in Russian-American relations, especially at the military level, under the administration of Donald Trump has not improved, but rather worsened." Putin, who backs Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, said earlier that the chemical weapon attack last week were "provocations" and for accusing the Syrian government. And Putin insisted there should be proper investigation by UN. He also criticized US's missile strike on Syrian air base as "a clear violation of international law". Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov also said today that they have "absolute reliable information" that the chemical attack was done by terrorists.
China Xi urged Trump to deal with North Korea through peaceful means
It's reported that Chinese President Xi Jinping called US President Donald Trump just four days after the face-to-face summit in Florida. The People's Daily in China noted that Xi advocates resolving the problem in Korean peninsula through "peaceful means". And Xi expressed his willingness to "maintain communication and coordination with the US" on the issue. Xi also stressed that "China insists on realizing the goal of denuclearization of the peninsula." Separately, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang said in a regular news conference that "It is irresponsible and even dangerous to take any actions that may escalate the tension" in Korean Peninsula. And, "all relevant parties should exercise restraint and keep calm, ease the tension instead of provoking each other and adding fuel to the fire."
Russian President Putin said relationship with US worsened under Trump administration
In Russia, President Vladimir Putin complained in a TV interview that level of trust with US has dropped after Trump became President of US. Putin said that "the working level of confidence in Russian-American relations, especially at the military level, under the administration of Donald Trump has not improved, but rather worsened." Putin, who backs Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, said earlier that the chemical weapon attack last week were "provocations" and for accusing the Syrian government. And Putin insisted there should be proper investigation by UN. He also criticized US's missile strike on Syrian air base as "a clear violation of international law". Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov also said today that they have "absolute reliable information" that the chemical attack was done by terrorists.