The Globe and Mail: 2023 in charts: Experts predict what’s to come for housing, jobs, wages and more

As the Canadian dollar slumps to near five-month lows, exporters are getting a boost while importers such as food suppliers, already battling inflation, are facing more headwinds.

Strong consumer spending patterns across Canada and particularly in Ottawa seem promising, but the data show only part of the picture, experts agree.

Canada's annual inflation rate rose to 3.4 per cent in December from 3.1 per cent in November, dashing many hopes that the central bank might cut its benchmark interest rate early this year.