‘We are getting closer’ to cutting interest rates, Bank of Canada governor tells MPs

The Bank of Canada is getting closer to cutting interest rates as inflation shows signs of coming down and staying down, the central bank’s governor, Tiff Macklem, told MPs Thursday. “We do see renewed downward momentum in underlying inflation. The message to Canadians is, we are getting closer. We are seeing what we need to … Read more

Equifax says mortgage-holders in B.C., Ontario, increasingly missed payments during Q4

Consumers in Ontario and British Columbia increasingly missed payments on mortgages and credit cards in the fourth quarter of 2023, Equifax Canada said. The fourth quarter saw a continuation of what’s been happening for a while now as the impacts of higher interest rates and inflation continue to weigh on consumers, said Rebecca Oakes, vice-president … Read more

Canadian economy not in recession, but 2023 was one of its weakest recent years

The Canadian economy continues to beat recession fears, posting modest growth in the fourth quarter even as high interest rates weighed on consumers and businesses. Statistics Canada reported Thursday that real gross domestic product increased by an annualized rate of one per cent, beating economists’ expectations and the Bank of Canada’s forecast for the final … Read more

Mortgage holders say they can make higher payments as Canadians cut spending: survey

A Bank of Canada survey finds Canadians are increasingly cutting back on spending while mortgage holders remain confident they can keep up with higher payments when their loans renew. The central bank released its fourth-quarter consumer expectations and business outlook surveys Monday, revealing how Canadians are faring amid higher borrowing costs and rising prices. Roughly … Read more

What does 2024 have in store for the Canadian economy?

It’s been a long time since economic data in Canada showed very much promise. The last 18 months have been defined by a cost of living crisis and a slowing economy. But a handful of economic indicators give us some hope for 2024. Inflation has slowed dramatically, and the economy didn’t actually slip into recession. … Read more