Another blog, another rate hike. The BOC (Bank of Canada) announced on Wednesday that its overnight rate would be increased from 1.50 to 1.75%
This is the fifth increase in rates in the last year and a half. As Tembo has repeatedly mentioned, a stable economy and good stats would lead to the BOC increasing rates – this is the signal they’ve been consistently sending for some time now. Rates are now back to where they were in late 2008, right before the last financial crisis.
Bank Of Canada Plays It Safe
The Bank made several comments and offered rationale for its decision. The conclusion of trade uncertainty with the United States and Mexico with the signing of the USMCA was cited. As was strong economic data (job growth, GDP growth, low unemployment). In the words of experts, with the economy in such decent shape, stimulus in the form of low interest rates is not needed. Increasing rates also serves the goals of policymakers in Ottawa and Toronto who want less credit available to heat the property markets. As we’ve mentioned in previous blogs, the Bank is following international counterparts in raising rates.
What Does This New Hike Rates Mean For You?
We want to make two points in this blog in response to this increase. One, it will result in higher overall borrowing costs and it will make mortgages more expensive. And two, that rates are still extremely low. Even in the medium term, rates will be at historic lows. Please see the attached graphic from the Bank of Canada to see the objective picture of rate movements in the last 11 years. In addition, Tembo recommends its readers prepare their finances for higher borrowing costs.