What does it mean?

Yesterday for the first time a very long time ( 26 years in-fact) the Bank of Canada raised the key overnight lending rate by 100 basis points or 1 full percentage point. As a result the bank prime lending rate is now 4.7%.

Many of us are now waking up this morning asking what does this all mean and how will it impact me. Firstly if you have a variable rate mortgage your payment has now increased. Those with lines of credit their payments have also increased. Basically if you are looking to borrow money it has now become more expensive. The days of cheap/free money are now officially over.

The Bank of Canada has made these moves in an effort to bring inflation which is now at 40 year highs under control. In-fact just prior to the BOC making the policy announcement yesterday the American CPI numbers were released and they hit 9.1%, which is another 40 year high. Inflation has been driven up by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, consistent supply chain issues and continued Chinese lockdowns.

What the BOC is looking for is for consumers to spend less, thus driving down demand. However if the spending stops too quickly it will just drive us into another recession. Only time will tell how this will all work out but with these rapid increases of rates things may come to a halt pretty quickly.

Today I am thankful for appraisals coming in just in time, the arrival of the warmth of summer and Alpe D’Huez stage of the Tour de France today.

I look forward to hearing from you in regard to your mortgage needs.

Patrick

p.s- You can click on this link to start the process whenever you are ready. Schedule your meeting with me here.

p.s.s- I should tell you that I am licensed in Nova Scotia Brokerage (2021-3000179) Broker (2021-3000180), Ontario(M18001555) & in British Columbia(BCFSA #504098).

p.s.s.s You can download my new mortgage app here