The Bank of Canada held its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 2.75% at last week’s meeting, as expected by half of the market, to mark the first hold following 225 basis points of cuts in seven consecutive decisions. The governing council noted that the unpredictability of the magnitude and duration of tariffs posed downside risks […]

As you enter retirement, financial stability may be at the top your mind. Whether you’re looking to cover unexpected expenses, help family members, or simply enhance your lifestyle, having access to additional income can make a difference. For Canadian homeowners aged 55 and better, a Reverse Mortgage can provides a smart, flexible way to access […]

Today’s Labour Force Survey for March was weaker than expected. Employment decreased by 33,000 (-0.2%) in March, the first decrease since January 2022. The decline in March followed little change in February and three consecutive months of growth in November, December and January, totalling 211,000 (+1.0%). The employment rate—the proportion of the population aged 15 and older—fell 0.2 percentage points to 60.9% in March. This partially […]

Shakespeare might have thought ‘to be or not to be’ was the ultimate question, but he wasn’t living in 2025 trying to minimize bank fees and interest charges while maximizing financial returns—and having to pay $9 for a clamshell of raspberries. This month, we’re tackling a modern dilemma: ‘Should I get a variable or fixed […]

Canadian existing home sales plunged last month as tariff concerns moth-balled home buying intentions. According to data released Monday by the Canadian Real Estate Association, transactions fell 9.8% from January. Activity was at its lowest level since November 2023. Benchmark home prices declined 0.8%, and new listings plunged, more than reversing January’s gains. Housing continues […]

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 2.6% year-over-year (y/y) in February, following an increase of 1.9% in January. With the federal tax break ending on February 15, the GST and HST were reapplied to eligible products. This put upward pressure on consumer prices for those items, as taxes paid by consumers are included in the CPI. While the second straight acceleration in the […]

Did you know? March is Fraud Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to learn how to protect yourself and your mortgage from fraud. Understanding common mortgage scams and how to recognize warning signs can make all the difference in safeguarding your financial well-being. Common Mortgage Fraud Scams One of the most frequent types of […]

The outlook for the Canadian economy in the coming months presents a picture of cautious optimism with high uncertainty. Economic indicators were expected to strengthen this year, driven by resilient consumer spending and a robust export sector. Housing activity was poised to accelerate this year as well. However, when the newly inaugurated US president began […]

Canadian MLS® Systems posted a double-digit jump in new supply in January 2025 when compared to December 2024. At the same time, sales activity fell off at the end of the month, likely reflecting uncertainty over the potential for a trade war with the United States. Although sales were down 3.3% month-over-month in January, this […]

Today’s Labour Force Survey for January surprised on the high side as businesses expanded employment despite threats of a tariff war with the US. According to Statistics Canada, employment increased by 76,000 last month, bringing the jobless rate down to 6.6%. Economists in a Bloomberg survey expected a smaller rise of 25,000 jobs, with the […]