The organization predicted Canada’s economy would grow 1.5 per cent in 2019, down from January projection of 1.9 per cent. It also cut its global growth outlook from 3.5 per cent to 3.3 per cent, citing uncertain U.S.-China trade relations, Brexit and challenges in the German auto sector. (Financial Post)

Talking point: Trade uncertainty has plagued Canadian economic growth estimates for several months. And, it’s hurting business investment. Timothy Lane, Bank of Canada deputy governor, highlighted uncertainty around U.S. trade policies as a factor stopping Canadian companies from spending, in a February 2019 speech to economists in Washington, D.C. That’s exacerbated by the fact that the USMCA has still not been ratified, six months after Canada, Mexico and the U.S. agreed on the terms of the deal.