Tag Archive for: bank of canada

More rate hikes???

We find out next week if our stubbornly high inflation which went against consensus and actually increased by .1% last month did finally come back down again. As a result of inflation still being so sticky the Bank of Canada decided in their infinite wisdom to increase the overall lending rate by 25 basis points or .25% at their last meeting.

I don’t know how much more of this people can actually take before they comprehend that they have to cut back on their spending. Just to illustrate the point about this regarding non necessary spending effecting overall inflationary numbers. There was recently a concert by Beyonce in Stockholm Sweden over the 10th and 11th of May. So concert goers paid for tickets, meals out on the town and accommodation for those who traveled to see her show. This resulted in a .3 % increase in their overall inflationary rate because of all the spending that was happening directly linked to this concert.

What this all means is that our individual actions make a difference towards the overall economy. When too many people are opening up their wallets instead of sitting on them, then we will all continue to suffer with higher inflation. Now don’t get me wrong I love music, movies and eating out, however something has to give for us to see inflation coming steadily back down to 2%. Let’s all do our part and end the relentless rate increases.

Today I am thankful for fun trivia games that I get to play with my daughter in traffic, learning to spend a little less so we can bring an end to inflation and Friday night movie night at home with the family.

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 (2022-3000179) Broker (2022-3000180), Ontario(M18001555) & in British Columbia(BCFSA #504098).

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

January 2023 Inflation report

The inflationary report for January 2023 was released by Statistics Canada yesterday and we appear to be doing better than we expected. The market consensus had predicted that inflation would drop to 6.1% from 6.3% in December 2022. Actually we dropped to 5.9% which was the lowest rate since last February. So while we saw decreases in transportaion & shelter it is actually stubbornly high for food prices which are still accelerating at the fastest pace since 1981, up 10.4%.

Since the weighting of shelter & transportation in relation to food is higher ( based on spending habits from 2002) is why our overall inflationary rate dropped. The market is estimating that the rate will decrease again in February to 5.2%. If this is the case it will turn out to be the lowest rate in a year. Thus proving the the BOC’s actions are causing a reduction to spending and in turn slowing down the economy.

However it won’t be till March 8th when the Bank of Canada meets next until we know whether these new inflationary numbers are enough to cause them to pause on the rate increases. So while we can cut down on travel and other unnecessary expenses it is harder to cut back on the necessities like food. With the our dualolopy of Empire Group ( Sobey’s) and Loblaw’s ( Superstore) making record breaking profits on the backs of consumers there is little to no pressure on them to relent on increasing prices.

Bank of Canada governor even said after these numbers were released that companies must start to bring down these prices or he will be forced to keep raising rates until that happens.

Today I am thankful the rejuvenating power of exercise, kind words from clients and the knowledge that when one door closes another one is sure to open.

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 (2022-3000179) Broker (2022-3000180), Ontario(M18001555) & in British Columbia(BCFSA #504098).

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

Rate Announcement Jan 2023

The Bank of Canada did what many had predicted by increasing the overnight lending rate by .25% or 25 basis points. However it is their language in the press release that is providing some optimism going forward. This is key part “expects to hold the policy rate at its current level while it assesses the impact of the cumulative interest rate increases.” They also said that they expect that CPI inflation will come down to 3% this year and back to 2% in 2024.

While nobody wanted another rate increase, at least it was only 25 basis points and that going forward they expect to hold the rates where they are unless demand on goods and services proves much more bullish than currently projected. If this happens then they are prepared to increase the rates yet again. However knowing that it does take 8-10 months for the effects of the rate increases to work their way through the system, let’s hope that this last one does the trick.

By the way the next meeting for the Bank of Canada is March 8th so mark your calendars.

Today I am thankful that this could be the last of the rate increases, a tune up from my physiotherapist what just what my body needed and my girls looking out for each other away at university.

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 (2022-3000179) Broker (2022-3000180), Ontario(M18001555) & in British Columbia(BCFSA #504098).

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

Interest Rate Hike

Well the Bank of Canada met this morning for the last time this year and hiked the overnight interest rate by 50 basis points or a half a percentage point. This means that those with variable rate mortgages and home equity lines of credit will have to pay more to service the debt.

This is as a result of our staggering high inflation rate which is currently sitting at 6.9%. Although it has come down in recent months from the high of 8.1% back in June, it is not coming down fast enough or far enough. The rate hike is the banks way of wants Canadian’s to drastically cut back on our spending so that the inflation rate will come down more quickly to it’s 2% target.

So while inflation has made everything from food to fuel more expensive, now the bank of Canada is making the costs of servicing our debts even more so. Cutting back on unnecessary expenses may be the only way forward to get us out of this high inflationary environment.

Today I am thankful for the feeling of muscle soreness from my workout yesterday, that this may be the last of a long series of rate increases and that the best food in the city is made in my own kitchen.

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 (2022-3000179) Broker (2022-3000180), Ontario(M18001555) & in British Columbia(BCFSA #504098).

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

Soap Box

Just because you have the biggest soap box and are the CEO of several large firms ( which shall remain nameless) does not mean that the financial regulators in your country have to listen to and follow your advice. Yes these recent rate hikes have been painful to business owners and consumers alike, but it does not mean that they were unwarranted.

The US Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell is due to address the state of the US economy and the effects of all the recent rate increases later today. As much as we all want the rate increases to stop and to even reverse course with some decreases, this is highly unlikely to happen. What is most likely is language addressing the continued need to move the rates higher to finely get control of inflation.

So criticize, condemn and complain all you want from your oversized soap box it is not going to change things. Inflation rates are still at record levels even though they have started to come back down, they have not come down fast enough or by margins that would dictate a reversal of course by the Federal Reserve or our central bankers.

Today I am thankful for the fact that our electrician showed up much earlier than expected, that we now have working under cabinet lights in the kitchen and functioning security lights.

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 (2022-3000179) Broker (2022-3000180), Ontario(M18001555) & in British Columbia(BCFSA #504098).

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

The Fine Print

The Bank of Canada will come out with their latest interest rate announcement at 10am eastern or 11am here in the Maritimes. While many of us are expecting at least a 75bps increase to the overnight lending rate, the real meat and potatoes will be in the press release from the meeting.

The devil truly is in the details, as the fourth quarter monetary policy is also announced today. The Bank will give details on whether it thinks that the current and past rate increases are doing what they were supposed to do and if more are necessary. While it is true that the overall inflationary rate is decreasing, it is just not coming down fast enough. It decreased by .1% to 6.9% this month, while the target rate is 2%. We still have a ways to go to get there.

Many economists are predicting a recession for 2023 and more rate increases will defiantly be pushing us in that direction. What we don’t know is the length or severity of the pull back to our economy and other major economies as well. We need to proactively cut back our discretionary spending before spending cuts and job losses are thrust upon us. What the Bank of Canada is doing is beyond our control but whether we decide to eat out or make supper at home is totally up to us.

Today I am thankful for the chance to connect with friends that I haven’t spoken with in months, new connections with new idea’s to improve my effectiveness and helping people see the best way forward.

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

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

BOC Rate Announcement

The Bank of Canada meets today and will publish their latest policy on interest rates. Most economists are widely expecting a 75 basis points increase similar to what the Federal Reserve did in the US just recently. If this does happen it will be the largest rate increase in over 26 years. Which many believe is required to finely bring our sky high inflation under control.

With the announcement today that the US CPI numbers just hit 9.1% for June which is a 40 year high, it is almost assured that we will have an oversized rate increase.

Well the BOC just exceeded everyone’s expectation by increasing the overnight lending rate by 100 basis points to 2.5%. This as a result will increase the prime lending rate from 3.7% to 4.7%. So those with variable rate mortgages or lines of credit will have their payments increased for the next month. In the policy announcement they BOC stated that CPI has remained high ( in the 8% range) due to the war in Ukraine &supply chain issues that have yet to be resolved.

In the published announcement BOC indicated that this may not be the last of the rate increases and it will depend on the state of the over all economy and how inflation reacts to these changes. The next scheduled meeting is September 7th.

Today I am thankful for my daily motivational quotes my friend Shane sends me on a daily basis, a hill run when I didn’t want do it and date night with my wife last night.

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

BOC June Meeting

The Bank of Canada is widely expect to raise interest rates again this morning. If they come through with another 50 basis points increase, this will be the 3rd increase in a row, amounting to 125 basis points in increases this year.

Yes it is true that inflation is at 30 year highs, the cost of housing has increased dramatically recently and the price of oil is through the roof. However the increase to the over night lending rate which then increased the prime rate that we see as consumers just further increases our housing costs. All of this is supposed to cause consumers to spend less money as the costs of borrowing has increased.

There is only so much discretionary spending that we can cut back as the costs of everything has gone up recently from food, to gas and now higher borrowing costs for housing. All this is blamed on supply chain problems due to Covid shut downs and more recently the war in Ukraine.

One of the best ways to insulate yourself against any other further prices increases is to learn how to better manager your money. The single best program out there is called YNAB, which stands for You Need A Budget. Instead of X amount into the future for Y, you give ever dollar you make a job and budget only what you make.

As expect the Bank of Canada increased the over night lending rate by 50 basis points, thus increasing the prime rate to 3.70%. However those of us on a variable rate mortgage are still better off then those who have switched to a fixed.

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

Predictions

After reading the Bank of Canada’s press release after it’s last rate announcement on April 13th, it is quite clear that they believe that we will be in a higher inflationary zone till almost 2024. What this means is that we have definitely not see the last of the Bank of Canada rate hikes. Our CPI numbers were released after the BOC met and blew away their prediction of a 6% rate when we hit 6.7%.

Some in my field are even saying that the BOC’s target for the prime rate will hit 5.20% before things start to settle down. Just so you don’t have to do the math that is a full 200 basis points or 2% higher that we are right now. By reaching those rates it will also take us closer to parity with the 5 year fixed rate when the discount to prime has been calculated in for clients.

That being said I am still going to stick it out with my variable rate, however clients who are in a variable rate have to decide themselves if they will sleep better at night by increasing their rate by switching from a variable to a fixed. The current spread in the difference is between 1.5 – 2% from the variable to the fixed, but without the rate volatility that the variable is going through.

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