Canada’s economy should emerge without serious damage from the U.S. subprime debacle if the U.S. economy can stay out of recession, according to an analysis by the Conference Board of Canada.

“The combination of the strong Canadian dollar and slowing U.S. growth will decrease exports in sectors such as wood products and automobiles, but the Canadian domestic economy remains robust and should offset declines in exports,” said Kip Beckman, Principal Research Associate and author of The U.S. Housing Market Meltdown: Implications for Canada. “In addition, most Canadian banks have limited direct exposure to the sub-prime mortgage market, and should be able to weather the storm.

The ongoing turmoil in U.S. housing markets, a result of the collapse in sub-prime mortgage markets, is expected to continue until at least the autumn of 2008.

The negative effects on U.S. consumer spending –lower employment in housing-related sectors, a negative wealth effect attributable to falling home prices, and weaker consumer confidence — will drag down overall U.S. economic growth.

Still, the Conference Board forecasts that the U.S. economy will avoid a recession, mainly due to strong exports and business investment. However, further negative developments, such as a major U.S. bank running into financial trouble, could easily undermine American consumer confidence and economic growth. In that scenario, Canada’s economy would grow at a slower pace than the 2.8% currently forecast for 2008.

The analysis is being presented as the keynote address at the Conference Board’s 2007 Business Outlook Briefing today at The Fairmont Royal York in Toronto.