Mortgage rate drop means housing more affordable RBC study finds Vancouver and Toronto still the least affordable

Housing across Canada became more affordable in the second quarter of this year because mortgage rates dropped, according to a report from RBC. Even with prices moving higher, homes became more affordable in nearly every market across Canada, according to RBC’s Housing Trends and Affordability Report. The least affordable markets were Toronto and Vancouver, where […]

Trade and Investment to Support Canada’s Economy In 2013: RBC Economics

Real GDP to increase to 1.9 per cent in 2013 TORONTO, June 19, 2013 — Canada’s economy started 2013 growing at a solid clip, as energy production continued to recover and the U.S. economy proved to be more resilient to a recession than was feared, according to the latestEconomic and Financial Market Outlook issued today by RBC […]

Canada to skirt global turbulence, record healthy growth this year: RBC

OTTAWA — A new outlook from the Royal Bank predicts Canada’s economy will skirt the global economic turbulence and rebound strongly from a slow start to the year. The RBC’s new quarterly forecast anticipates the economy will rebound to 3.1% growth during this quarter, which ends in June, and record a 2.6% gross domestic product […]

Home ownership becoming more affordable despite rising debt

By Julian Beltrame OTTAWA—Despite ongoing concerns about household debt, home ownership is becoming more affordable in Canada, not less, says new research by the Royal Bank. RBC’s latest report says home affordability actually improved in the final months of 2011 for the second consecutive quarter, thanks to softening house prices and income gains. Owning a […]

Low rates could spur mortgage rule changes

David Pett  Sep 8, 2011 With Canadian interest rates now on hold for some time to come, the government may move to tighten mortgage rules again to keep the already hot housing market from bubbling over, says the chief economist of Canada’s biggest bank. “As we go forward in an environment of lower rates for longer […]

Consumers cope as prices rise

Canadians are digging in and watching their pennies, finding new — and old — ways to cope as the country’s highest inflation rate in eight years smacks up against record consumer debt levels. According to the RBC Canadian Consumer Outlook Index, released Wednesday, Canadians are carrying an average $13,058 in personal debt — not including […]

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 […]

RBC predicts Canadian economy will grow 3.2% in 2011

March 11, 2011 Canada’s economy will grow by 3.2 per cent this year, assuming rising American demand for consumer goods and autos, according to a report issued Friday by Royal Bank. Economists at the bank predict net exports such as cars and commodities will boost economic growth this year and next, as those industries account […]

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 […]