The Globe and Mail reports in its Monday, Dec. 8, edition that the Bank of Canada is expected to keep interest rates steady on Wednesday after strong economic reports. The Globe's Mark Rendell writes that the BOC cut its benchmark rate to 2.25 per cent in October, indicating it may be the last cut in a year-and-a-half-long easing cycle. Inflation, economic growth and employment data in Canada have recently outperformed expectations, indicating the economy has coped better than anticipated with U.S. tariffs. Markets expect the BOC to hold rates steady for most of next year after four cuts this year and nine since summer 2024, with a hike now more likely than another cut, according to Bloomberg data. After the October rate decision, Governor Tiff Macklem indicated that interest rates are currently appropriate for maintaining inflation around 2 per cent while supporting the economy. He mentioned that further cuts could occur if the economy worsens, but would require a significant change in the economic outlook. Mr. Macklem did not rule out further cuts if the Canadian economy falters but noted that a "material" change in the bank's outlook would be needed for additional easing.