Bank of Canada governor addressed MPs on the finance committee on Thursday
Most economists expect the first rate cut to occur in May or June
The bank left its benchmark rate unchanged at a record-high 4%
Optimism is growing that the Fed is on track to deliver a rare soft landing
Ailing sector poses a headwind to earnings, threat to credit quality
Regular payouts to maintain 4% growth, while variable dividends drop
The central bank is still open to more rate hikes if inflation doesn’t co-operate
Commodity producers to hold up better than interest-sensitive regions
Declining net interest income and rising credit stress to weigh on results in 2024
Lagging effect of higher rates likely to bite this year, report says