For this week’s blog, Tembo once again turns to one of our favourite topics, interest rates. Important news out of the United States once again requires unpacking for our readers.
“Trumponomics”
Under President Trump, the U.S. has pursued a ‘supply-side’ economic strategy. The government has increased spending, especially on the military, has lowered taxes, largely for big businesses and high income earners, and has pursued deregulation. All of these moves have acted as stimulants to the U.S. economy, and have lowered unemployment rates and increased growth.
GDP growth has shot passed 4% and official unemployment statistics are the lowest they’ve been in many decades. While few doubt the economy is being overstimulated, all of this positive news is fueling conservatism at the Federal Reserve. The practice of raising rates and ending the historically unprecedented period of ultra cheap began at the end of the Obama Administration. Now, with inflation beginning to pick up, wages, growing, and the economy considered ‘strong’, the Fed is even more eager to return rates to more historical averages.
What Will Higher US Interest Rates Means For Canadians?
Fed Reserve Jerome Powell made it clear that the Fed will continue its unpopular push to raise rates with even more enthusiasm, a point that has been lambasted by Trump. What this will mean for Canadian homeowners and consumers in the short term is higher rates, as the Bank of Canada will be under huge pressure to match U.S. interest rate rises. Every Fed rate hike places downward pressure on the dollar and squeezes the purchasing power of Canadian firms and consumers. Tembo will keep a close eye on the Canadian economy and the Bank of Canada’s next moves.