Canadian building intentions surged higher as the economy became more dependent on construction. Statistics Canada (Stat Can) data shows building permits surged higher in February. The optimistic rise for the industry is still mostly for the construction of new housing. However, a big (but temporary) boost resulted from rising government spending as well. Canadian Building […]
Canada’s largest bank is accelerating its forecast for higher interest rates. RBC sees the Bank of Canada (BoC) doubling the overnight rate at the April meeting. The bank is also accelerating its forecast, seeing a sharp and fast tightening cycle. By year end, they expect the overnight rate to hit the highest level in over […]
Ontario’s non-resident speculation tax (NRST) is expanding in size and location. The NRST was a 15% tax on the purchase of residential real estate in the Golden Horseshoe (Greater Toronto). As of March 30, 2022, it’s now 20% and applies to the whole province. Low revenues might have some believing it hasn’t been very effective, […]
Canadian businesses are optimistic about the future, but inflation and wage headwinds are brewing. The CFIB small business confidence survey showed improving confidence in March 2022. It also reveals their expectations of high inflation are rising further. Despite higher inflation, businesses have lower expectations for future wages, a toxic combination. Canadian Small Business Confidence Gets […]
Canadian real estate is disconnecting from reality at a breakneck speed. RBC updated its affordability index for Q4 2021, measuring the share of income needed to buy a home. Housing affordability across most of the country is now out of reach for most households. Buying a home is nearly an “impossible” feat, according to one […]
Canadian mortgages are getting a lot more expensive as bond yields surge higher. The benchmark Government of Canada (GoC) bonds are climbing, influencing fixed-term mortgage costs. Canada hasn’t seen this kind of pressure on bond yields since the 90s, at the peak of the last tightening cycle. This cycle, however, is just getting started. Expect […]
Canadian real estate prices are approaching a mile-long stretch of hurdles. Easy credit conditions are being rapidly reversed, and then some, according to BMO Capital Markets. The bank warned clients of a laundry list of measures designed to cool the market, all hitting at once. They’ll have a limited impact compared to the big market […]
Canadian mortgage rates are set to go vertical as bond yields surge higher. BMO Capital Markets explained to clients that mortgage rates will rise “straight up.” As central banks increase the intensity for their fight against inflation, yields are rising. The result is soaring mortgage rates, expected to climb even faster in the coming months. […]
Canadian real estate prices have increased at such a rapid pace, incomes aren’t even close. US Federal Reserve calculations show home prices in Canada have increased multiples of the rate of income growth as of Q3 2021. Most people have some idea how strange this situation is, but we need to zoom out to appreciate […]
Canada’s central bank is getting serious about controlling high inflation… that they had said was out of their control. The Bank of Canada (BoC) spent the past year claiming high inflation is due to external factors. A day after we explained to Parliament’s finance committee how monetary tools were used to create inflation, the BoC […]
