Putting Rates in Neutral

Neutral isn’t what it used to be—not with the Bank of Canada’s key interest rate anyhow. In the modern era of monetary policy, the neutral policy rate (NPR) has averaged about 4.20%, according to BMO. Today, BMO, TD, CIBC and others say it’s closer to 3.00%…or less. (Economists have lately been ratcheting down their estimates of the NPR.) If you hold […]

Steady growth in Canada amid uncertain global environment: RBC Economics

Steady growth in Canada amid uncertain global environment: RBC Economics Boost in commodity prices creates a net wealth benefit for domestic economy TORONTO, June 9, 2011 — Canada’s economy has been a frontrunner in the race to expansion with real GDP standing two per cent above its pre-recession peak and posting a 3.9 per cent […]

BoC ups growth, stands pat on rates

OTTAWA — The Bank of Canada boosted its growth forecast Tuesday but threw a curve ball at Bay Street expectations for a July interest-rate hike by warning the “persistent strength” in the loonie could cause even greater headwinds for the economy. While some analysts still expect the central bank to start raising rates in July […]

Rosenberg: Canadian housing is okay

David Rosenberg, chief economist and strategist at Gluskin Sheff, remains a contrarian voice on the U.S. economic recovery, and he is also sticking to his argument that Canada is in pretty good shape – and that includes the country’s housing market. That market has taken a few knocks recently, even attracting derision from the foreign […]

CANADA’S ECONOMY GAINS TRACTION AS NET EXPORTS SURGE: RBC ECONOMIC

Strong gains expected to continue through 2012 TORONTO, March 11, 2011 — On the back of solid net exports in the final quarter of 2010, Canada’s economy finished the year on a high note recording stronger than expected gains, according to the latest Economic Outlook released today by RBC Economics. The biggest support for the […]

Majority of Canadians still confident they can service mortgage payments: BMO

  Two in three Canadian homeowners believe they will still be able to service their mortgage payments if interest rates go up, according to a survey by Bank of Montreal (BMO) Financial Group. While some were unsure, another 18% of Canadians said they would not be able to afford higher payments, although the survey didn’t […]

Commercial real estate booming again – now what?

The commercial real estate market saw an unprecedented recovery last year, with investment growing 48 per cent as the economy improved and investors returned to the market. Canadian commercial real estate sales volume reached $18.9-billion in 2010, according to CB Richard Ellis, from $12.7-billion in 2009 – though it’s still a long way from the […]

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