Bank of Canada Rate Announcement Sept 5th, 2018

Diane Gogar • September 5, 2018

The Bank of Canada today maintained its target for the overnight rate at 1 ½ per cent. The Bank Rate is correspondingly 1 ¾ per cent and the deposit rate is 1 ¼ per cent.

CPI inflation moved up to 3 per cent in July. This was higher than expected, in large part because of a jump in the airfare component of the consumer price index. The Bank expects CPI inflation to move back towards 2 per cent in early 2019, as the effects of past increases in gasoline prices dissipate. The Bank’s core measures of inflation remain firmly around 2 per cent, consistent with an economy that has been operating near capacity for some time. Wage growth remains moderate.

Recent data on the global economy have been consistent with the Bank’s July Monetary Policy Report (MPR) projections. The US economy is particularly robust, with strong consumer spending and business investment. Elevated trade tensions remain a key risk to the global outlook and are pulling some commodity prices lower. Meanwhile, financial stresses have intensified in certain emerging market economies, but with limited spillovers to other countries.

The Canadian economy is evolving closely in line with the Bank’s July projection for growth to average near potential. Following growth of 1.4 per cent in the first quarter, GDP rebounded by 2.9 per cent in the second quarter, as the Bank had forecast. GDP growth is expected to slow temporarily in the third quarter, mainly because of further fluctuations in energy production and exports.

While uncertainty about trade policies continues to weigh on businesses, the rotation of demand towards business investment and exports is proceeding. Despite choppiness in the data, both business investment and exports have been growing solidly for several quarters. Meanwhile, activity in the housing market is beginning to stabilize as households adjust to higher interest rates and changes in housing policies. Continuing gains in employment and labour income are helping to support consumption. As past interest rate increases work their way through the economy, credit growth has moderated and the household debt-to-income ratio is beginning to edge down.

Recent data reinforce Governing Council’s assessment that higher interest rates will be warranted to achieve the inflation target. We will continue to take a gradual approach, guided by incoming data. In particular, the Bank continues to gauge the economy’s reaction to higher interest rates. The Bank is also monitoring closely the course of NAFTA negotiations and other trade policy developments, and their impact on the inflation outlook.

Here are the remaining announcements dates for 2018.

  • October 24th 2018*
  • December 5th 2018

*Monetary Policy Report published

DIANE GOGAR
MORTGAGE PROFESSIONAL
CONTACT ME

Get Protection From A Pre-Approval

By Diane Gogar • March 5, 2025
There is no doubt about it, buying a home can be an emotional experience. Especially in a competitive housing market where you feel compelled to bid over the asking price to have a shot at getting into the market. Buying a home is a game of balancing needs and wants while being honest with yourself about those very needs and wants. It’s hard to get it right, figuring out what’s negotiable and what isn’t, what you can live with and what you can’t live without. Finding that balance between what makes sense in your head and what feels right in your heart is challenging. And the further you are in the process, the more desperate you may feel. One of the biggest mistakes you can make when shopping for a property is to fall in love with something you can’t afford. Doing this almost certainly guarantees that nothing else will compare, and you will inevitably find yourself “settling” for something that is actually quite nice. Something that would have been perfect had you not already fallen in love with something out of your price range. So before you ever look at a property, you should know exactly what you can qualify for so that you can shop within a set price range and you won’t be disappointed. Protect yourself with a mortgage pre-approval. A pre-approval does a few things It will outline your buying power. You will be able to shop with confidence, knowing exactly how much you can spend. It will uncover any issues that might arise in qualifying for a mortgage, for example, mistakes on your credit bureau. It will outline the necessary supporting documentation required to get a mortgage so you can be prepared. It will secure a rate for 30 to 120 days, depending on your mortgage product. It will save your heart from the pain of falling in love with something you can’t afford. Obviously, there is nothing wrong with looking at all types of property and getting a good handle on the market; however, a pre-approval will protect you from believing you can qualify for more than you can actually afford. Get a pre-approval before you start shopping; your heart will thank you. If you’d like to walk through your financial situation and get pre-approved for a mortgage, let’s talk. It would be a pleasure to work with you!

Is It the Right Time to Refinance? 5 Signs You Should Consider It

By Diane Gogar • February 27, 2025
Refinancing your mortgage can be a smart financial move, but how do you know if it’s the right time? Whether you’re looking to lower your monthly payments, access home equity, or consolidate debt, refinancing can offer valuable benefits. Here are five key signs that it might be the right time to refinance your mortgage in Canada. 1. Interest Rates Have Dropped One of the most common reasons Canadians refinance is to secure a lower interest rate. Even a small decrease in your mortgage rate can lead to significant savings over time. If rates have dropped since you took out your mortgage, refinancing could help you reduce your monthly payments and save thousands in interest. ✅ Tip: Check with your mortgage broker to compare your current rate with today’s market rates. 2. Your Financial Situation Has Improved If your credit score has increased or your income has stabilized since you first got your mortgage, you might qualify for better loan terms. Lenders offer lower rates and better conditions to borrowers with strong financial profiles. ✅ Tip: If you’ve paid off debts, improved your credit score, or increased your savings, refinancing could work in your favour. 3. You Want to Consolidate High-Interest Debt Carrying high-interest debt from credit cards, personal loans, or lines of credit? Refinancing can help consolidate those debts into your mortgage at a much lower interest rate. This can make monthly payments more manageable and reduce the overall cost of borrowing. ✅ Tip: Make sure the savings from refinancing outweigh any prepayment penalties or fees. 4. You Need to Free Up Cash for a Major Expense Many Canadians refinance to access their home’s equity for renovations, education costs, or major life expenses. With home values rising in many areas, a refinance could help you tap into that value while still keeping manageable payments. ✅ Tip: Consider a home equity line of credit (HELOC) if you need flexible access to funds. 5. Your Mortgage Term is Ending, and You Want Better Terms If your mortgage is up for renewal, it’s the perfect time to explore refinancing options. Instead of simply accepting your lender’s renewal offer, compare rates and terms to see if you can get a better deal elsewhere. ✅ Tip: A mortgage broker can help you shop around and negotiate better terms on your behalf. Is Refinancing Right for You? Refinancing isn’t always the best move—there can be penalties for breaking your current mortgage, and not all savings are worth the switch. However, if you relate to any of the five signs above, it’s worth discussing your options with a mortgage professional. Thinking about refinancing? Let’s chat and find the best option for you!
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