Most market participants did not expect the Bank of Canada to cut rates in late July. Incoming economic data paint a somewhat stronger picture. Consumer sentiment remains relatively weak in the face of considerable tariff uncertainty, despite the record highs achieved by both the US and Canadian stock markets. Business investment has slowed considerably, and […]

As expected, the Bank of Canada held its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 2.75% at today’s meeting, the third consecutive rate hold since the Bank cut overnight rates seven times in the past year. The Governing Council noted that the unpredictability of the magnitude and duration of tariffs posed downside risks to growth and lifted […]

The Canadian economy refuses to buckle under the weight of tariff uncertainty and further potential tariff hikes. The Labour Force Survey, released this morning for June, showed a surprising net new job gain of 83,100 positions, the most significant number of jobs this year. A whopping 84% of the employment gain was in part-time work. […]

If you’re interested in buying a vacation home, there is a lot to consider. A good first step to purchasing any vacation home is to think about your 5- and 10-year plan. Will you get enough use out of it? Do you have other more immediate or important financial goals? What’s the opportunity cost? If […]

Real gross domestic product (GDP) edged down 0.1% in April, following a 0.2% increase in March. The preliminary estimate for May was also -0.1%. April and May were months of the most significant tariff uncertainty–both auto, steel, and aluminum tariffs were announced during this period. The 0.1% drawdown in April GDP had a wide variety of special factors at […]

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 1.7% year-over-year in May, matching the 1.7% increase in April. A reduced rent price increase and a decline in travel tour prices put downward pressure on the CPI in May compared with one year earlier. Smaller declines for gas and cellular services put upward pressure on the index compared with the […]

Canadian existing home sales recorded over the MLS Systems climbed 3.6% between April and May, a normally strong month for housing, marking the first gain in activity since last November. The Greater Toronto Area (GTA), Calgary, and Ottawa led the monthly increase. “May 2025 not only saw home sales move higher at the national level […]

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%). Today’s Labour Force Survey for May showed a marked adverse impact of tariffs on the […]

Finding your dream home can seem like a daunting task. But don’t despair! Here are five actionable steps to set you up for success: Start with the Practicalities: First, figure out your finances. How much have you got saved for a downpayment, how much can you afford on a monthly basis, and what will you be […]

Friday’s Labour Force Survey for April showed a marked adverse impact of tariffs on the Canadian economy. Early evidence suggests that the slowing economy will be the primary fallout of tariffs, with upward pressure on prices a secondary impact. The central bank’s actions will mitigate inflation while gradually lowering interest rates. Today’s weak report sets […]