Canada delivered its biggest affordability measure in years—shrinking its population. That was the takeaway from a new report from BMO Capital Markets this week. The bank has repeatedly warned that promises to triple the new homes built and create affordability with supply, weren’t grounded in reality. Now that Canada is quietly acknowledging this failure, they […]
Canadian households are celebrating cheaper credit after rates were further slashed. This morning the Bank of Canada (BoC) made its October rate announcement, slashing the overnight rate by 0.5 points in a single move. The “supersized” cut was widely expected by the market, but reinforces a troubling picture the central bank’s accompanying report confirmed. Canada’s […]
The Greater Canadian mortgage renewal cliff was largely overblown, according to the country’s largest bank. In its latest research note, RBC states that aggressive easing means that not all households will renew at higher rates, and the impact will be smaller than anticipated. They warn that doesn’t mean we’re in the clear, as a much […]
Canadians are more excited at the thought of cheap credit than actually getting it. Statistics Canada (Stat Can) data shows household credit grew in August—though at a slower rate than the month before. The mild acceleration in borrowing ahead of rate cuts reversed once the actual cuts were made. It potentially serves as a red […]
Canadian housing starts are starting to lose momentum but they remain lofty. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) data shows a drop in housing starts for September. Despite the slow month, BMO notes the trend is still moving higher, especially considering the environment. The slowdown is contrary to policymaker efforts to triple new home starts, […]
Canadian real estate demand remains too weak to prevent further declines, but it’s improving. Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) data shows the composite benchmark (typical) home fell in September. Over the past two years, prices have largely moved sideways as market uncertainty persists. However, price drops were smaller last month, implying the potential for a […]
Canadian inflation is being tamed rapidly, sparking fears that the economy will cool and require stimulus soon. Statistics Canada (Stat Can) data shows the Consumer Price Index (CPI) annual growth fell sharply in September. The slowdown was primarily the result of gasoline, with inflation showing little progress when excluded. However, experts still see this clearing […]
Canadian real estate markets have yet to see that expected boost from falling rates. Only a handful of markets have already reported September data, but RBC warns the trend continues to show new inventory outpacing sales. Rising inventory and sluggish sales are combining to fuel a downtrend. Despite cheaper credit and lower prices, buyers still […]
Canada’s economy is slowing, and there are concerns that slowing population growth may amplify the issue. A new analysis from BMO shows no historical evidence to support a short—or medium-term correlation between real GDP and population growth. The bank pulled over 30 years of data and found the opposite—real GDP and population growth move in […]
The Greater Toronto real estate rut continued last month. Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB) data shows the price of a typical home fell once again in September. Despite a mild improvement in sales, inventory climbed much faster helping to apply further downward pressure on prices. The benchmark is now within spitting distance of prices […]
