The Bank of Canada released its 2005 schedule for announcing decisions on its key policy interest rate and confirmed the announcement dates for the remainder of this year.

The announcement dates from July 2004 through December 2005 are: July 20, Sept. 8, Oct. 19, and Dec. 7.

Most economists expect the central bank will put off rate action to at least the end of the summer, if not the start of next year. Inflation is the key statistic for the bank, but the performance of the U.S. and Canadian economies and the relative strength between the two countries’ dollars will also factor into decisions.

In 2005, it will have eight fixed announcement days, starting Jan. 25, followed by meetings on March 1, April 12, May 25, July 12, Sept. 7, Oct. 18 and finally Dec. 6. All announcements will continue to be made at 9 a.m. (ET).