Current account

What it measures

The current account is one of the two main parts of the balance of payments. It records trade in goods and services, investment income and transfers between residents and non-residents.

Why it matters

• Macroeconomic policy
• Investment decisions
• International financial planning
• Assessing external vulnerability

Reading the charts

• A negative balance means Canada pays the rest of the world more than it receives.
• Balances can change sign, so changes are shown in dollars, not percent.