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10 Proven Ways Canadian Families Can Save Big on Groceries This Summer

  Published on moneysavings.ca | Personal Finance & Everyday Savings If you've been to a Canadian grocery store lately, you already know — the sticker shock is real. Feeding a family in Canada has become one of the biggest household expenses, and with food prices still elevated, many families are looking for smart, practical ways to stretch every dollar. The good news? You don't have to sacrifice quality or go hungry to save big. With a few simple habit changes, many Canadian families are cutting hundreds of dollars off their monthly grocery bills. Here are 10 strategies you can start using today. 1. Shop the "Reduced for Quick Sale" Section First Every major grocery store in Canada — from Loblaws to Sobeys to Walmart — has a section dedicated to items nearing their best-before date. These items are often marked down by 30–50%, and they're perfectly good to eat within a day or two (or freeze immediately). Make it a habit to check this section the moment...

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Are rate hikes over for Canada


The Canadian economy is expected to show a modest growth of 0.4% in the third quarter of 2023, according to the latest estimates from Statistics Canada. This is lower than the 0.6% expansion in the previous quarter, and well below the 2.1% growth rate that the Bank of Canada projected in July.

The weak GDP numbers have fueled the speculation that the country may be heading into a recession, as global trade tensions, lower oil prices, and household debt weigh on the economic outlook. 

However, not everyone is convinced that the situation is so dire. Some forecasters argue that the third quarter slowdown was mainly due to temporary factors, such as a strike at a major auto plant, a drop in agricultural output due to drought, and a slowdown in housing construction. They expect that the economy will rebound in the fourth quarter, as these factors dissipate and consumer spending picks up.

Moreover, some forecasters point out that the inflation rate remains within the central bank's target range of 1% to 3%, suggesting that there is no need for further monetary stimulus. They also note that the labour market remains strong, with the unemployment rate at a near-record low of 5.5%, and wage growth at a solid 3.2%.

Therefore, some forecasters believe that the Bank of Canada will maintain its wait-and-see approach, and keep interest rates unchanged until there are clear signs of either a sustained recovery or a prolonged downturn. They argue that the central bank has already done enough to support the economy, by cutting interest rates three times in 2022, and that any further easing could fuel financial imbalances and inflationary pressures.

In summary, the GDP numbers for the third quarter of 2023 are likely to spark more debate about the state of the Canadian economy and the direction of monetary policy. However, some forecasters are more optimistic than others, and think that the rate hikes are over for now, unless there is a significant change in the economic conditions.

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