Despite the fact that energy prices are creeping up and housing continues to crumble, surveys suggest job gains are providing an offset for confidence. The potential is there for consumer spending to remain resilient.
This surprise rise in no way alters the broader view that the housing sector continues to cool.
The dollar-yen relationship is still the forefront issue in most people's minds. There's a fear for both stocks and bonds that if the depreciation continues there will be less appeal for U.S. dollar-denominated assets.
The construction sector continues to be a contributor to Canadian economic growth, which should make the Bank of Canada feel a bit more comfortable about any forthcoming rate hikes.