Bank of Canada holds rate but signals that hikes are on the horizon

The Bank of Canada is sticking with its trend-setting interest rate, but it's sending out fresh, yet cautious, warnings that increases are likely on the way.

The central bank has now left its rate locked at one per cent for two straight policy announcements after the strengthening economy prompted it to raise it twice in the summer.

The bank is pointing to several positives that could support another increase in the coming months, such as encouraging job and wage growth, sturdy business investment and the resilience of consumer spending despite heavy debt loads and higher borrowing costs.