In just the latest reminder that banks value profit above PR, each of the Big 5 have hiked prime rate by a full 1/4 point. That means the rate variable mortgages are based on rises to 2.95% on Thursday, at most big lenders. Some had speculated (hoped) that...
The kingpin of Canadian interest rates has officially made it more expensive to borrow — for the first time since 2010. By boosting its overnight rate target 1/4%-point this morning, the Bank of Canada is jacking up interest costs roughly...
Canada’s banking overlord, OSFI, is proposing a new 2-percentage-point (200-bps) “stress test” for people getting uninsured mortgages. Unlike the current stress test, which is based on one rate (the Bank of Canada posted 5-year, currently 4.64%), this new one is a frequently...
OK, how do I put this in a way that doesn’t sound over the top or like fear mongering? There was this mortgage rule proposal today, and it was a Whopper. No. Actually, it was larger than that. More like a BK...
“It does look as though [rate] cuts have done their job.” That was Bank of Canada chief Stephen Poloz in a CNBC interview today. It was the second time he’s provided this “forward guidance,” and it’s about the closest thing you’ll hear...
People who live in Ontario are getting used to Meridian Credit Union’s quick-hit rate specials. Every few quarters the company seems to roll out a rate that undercuts just about everyone. This time, Ontario’s largest credit union is running a 1.50% special on...
We rarely comment on GIC deals but there’s an opportunity out there that can’t be ignored. GICs are not for most people, but for some conservative investors they have their place. For GIC lovers who crave extra yield (and who doesn’t), Oaken Financial’s current promo...
A quick briefing on recent mortgage rate developments: Higher Rates on the Radar: The market has now fully priced in a rate hike this year, based on the yields of interest rate derivatives. “Clearly this is no longer an economy that requires emergency-level...
Almost every public statement the Bank of Canada makes is scripted. Case in point was the speech today from the Bank of Canada’s Senior Deputy Governor in Winnipeg. She came with prepared remarks that were broadcast all over the Internet. Her (and...
Debt ratios are rising, but it’s not just because borrowers are taking on more debt. They’re rising because the government changed the rules of the game. Last October it made all insured mortgage borrowers prove they can afford a payment at the 5-year posted...
