noworldsystem.com

The surge in cross-border shopping due to the strong dollar, not to mention the slump in exports, could knock nearly three-quarters of a percentage point off growth in the Canadian economy, says Action Economics, an online economic research firm.

However, the U.S. economy could get a much needed boost from the rise in cross-border shopping, as well as an increase in exports and drop in imports resulting from the relative weakness of its currency against the loonie, the report adds.

“Overall, the rapid rise in the Canadian dollar should resonate through both the Canadian and U.S. economies well into next year,” it said, as the loonie traded near a 33-year high of more than $1.03 US.

“Canadian dollar strength adds to the downside risk for Canada’s domestic economy via deflection of consumer spending, and will likely exacerbate an already difficult environment for some Canadian exporters,” it said. “In contrast, the U.S. economy stands to benefit via increased retail sales and export demand, which would provide a timely offset to what is shaping up to be a sizable drag from residential investment.”