Annual inflation cooled sharply to two per cent in August, according to Statistics Canada, marking a major milestone in the Bank of Canada’s efforts to tame price pressures.

That’s sharply lower than the 2.5 per cent annual rate recorded in July and continues a general cooling trend through 2024.

The last time inflation was at or below two per cent was in early 2021.

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Statistics Canada pointed to cheaper prices on gasoline as driving down the headline inflation figure in August.

The Bank of Canada’s sets its benchmark interest rate in an effort to achieve two per cent inflation, according to its mandate, with the view that a two per cent rate of annual price growth provides stability for households making decisions.

Click to play video: 'Bigger cuts a possibility as Bank of Canada lowers benchmark interest rate to 4.25%'