[jyl]

Negative interest rates can also mean the central bank charges banks interest on funds deposited at the central bank. Supposed to be an incentive for banks to loan out their money. Not sure it works.

Negative real interest rates means central bank rate (like fed funds rate) is lower than inflation. We have that in the US, Europe does too. I don't think that is terribly unusual, but I haven't really studied it.

Canada and other commodity-based economies are suffering from commodity prices being as low as post-recession levels. Oil, iron, coal, etc. For countries whose economies are based on value add industries, low commodity prices are good. For economic forecasting, low commodity prices are often a warning sign. Means demand is slowing, demand is changing, or supply is excessive. Currently i think there is some of all the going on.