Preliminary data released by Statistics Canada shows that the national economy grew an annualized 2.5% in this year’s first quarter. The quarterly result comes as gross domestic product (GDP) across Canada rose 0.5% in January, 0.2% in February, and was unchanged in March. The monthly GDP figures show a consistent pattern of economic slowdown, reinforcing expectations that the Bank of Canada will lower interest rates in coming months. Although Canada’s economy continues to expand and has avoided a recession, economists say that growth across the country is slowing as high interest rates…