[Dan]

The Bank of Canada will follow through on its conditional commitment by keeping rates unchanged at a low level through mid-2010. Although its measure of overall financial conditions continues to improve, the Bank remains concerned about the strengthening currency.

In its August statement, the Fed described the economy as ‘leveling out.’ Because the recovery is still fragile, analysts expect the Fed to leave policy unchanged for most of 2010.

The Bank of England increased its asset purchase program. While analysts don’t expect further easing, the minutes showed three MPC members voting to increase asset purchases by an even greater amount, suggesting that the risks are on the side of further easing.

Better-than-expected second-quarter growth and upgraded ECB forecasts suggest that further non-standard easing measures are unlikely.

The RBA left the Cash Rate unchanged at 3% in September. Its upbeat statement on growth prospects combined with stronger-than-expected second quarter GDP support the case for rate hikes later this year.

The RBNZ kept rates unchanged but retained an easing bias, repeating its commitment to hold policy rates steady until the latter part of 2010. and early 2010 causing markets to reassess the durability of the upturn, market believes that there is enough stimulus in place to support a full-fledged recovery in 2010.