The Bank of Canada is keeping its key interest rate on hold in a decision that positions the country as an exception among advanced economies already responding to the weakening world economy. Governor Stephen Poloz's team is warning that the resilience of Canada's economy will be increasingly tested by persistent global trade conflicts and uncertainty. The central bank's decision to hold the rate at 1.75 per cent today was widely expected by financial markets. The benchmark has now been at the same level for just over a year.