Balance of Payments: Current Account: Balance (Revenue Minus Expenditure) for Canada

CANB6BLTT02STSAQ • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)

Latest Value

-0.64

Year-over-Year Change

915.89%

Date Range

1/1/1981 - 10/1/2024

Summary

The Balance of Payments: Current Account: Balance (Revenue Minus Expenditure) for Canada measures the difference between Canada's total earnings from international trade and investment and its total payments to the rest of the world. It is a key indicator of a country's international economic position.

Analysis & Context

This economic indicator provides valuable insights into current market conditions and economic trends. The data is updated regularly by the Federal Reserve and represents one of the most reliable sources for economic analysis.

Understanding this metric helps economists, policymakers, and investors make informed decisions about economic conditions and future trends. The interactive chart above allows you to explore historical patterns and identify key trends over time.

About This Dataset

The current account balance tracks a country's net trade in goods and services, net earnings on cross-border investments, and net transfer payments. A current account surplus indicates that a country is a net lender to the rest of the world, while a deficit means it is a net borrower.

Methodology

The data is collected by Statistics Canada through surveys and administrative sources.

Historical Context

Economists and policymakers closely monitor the current account balance to assess a country's economic health and external competitiveness.

Key Facts

  • Canada has recorded a current account deficit since the 1990s.
  • The deficit reached a high of over 3% of GDP in 2008 during the global financial crisis.
  • In 2020, the current account deficit narrowed to 1.4% of GDP due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

FAQs

Q: What does this economic trend measure?

A: The Balance of Payments: Current Account: Balance (Revenue Minus Expenditure) for Canada measures the difference between Canada's total earnings from international trade and investment and its total payments to the rest of the world.

Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?

A: The current account balance is a key indicator of a country's international economic position and competitiveness. It is closely monitored by economists and policymakers to assess the overall health of the economy.

Q: How is this data collected or calculated?

A: The data is collected by Statistics Canada through surveys and administrative sources.

Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?

A: Economists and policymakers use the current account balance to evaluate a country's trade performance, international competitiveness, and the sustainability of its foreign borrowing.

Q: Are there update delays or limitations?

A: The current account balance data is typically released on a quarterly basis with a few months' delay.

Related Trends

Citation

U.S. Federal Reserve, Balance of Payments: Current Account: Balance (Revenue Minus Expenditure) for Canada (CANB6BLTT02STSAQ), retrieved from FRED.