Skip to main content

Featured

How Canadian Savers Can Protect Their Money in 2026

As 2026 unfolds, Canadian savers are navigating a financial landscape shaped by falling interest rates, persistent living‑cost pressures, and evolving tax‑advantaged opportunities. Experts say this is the year to be intentional, strategic, and proactive with your money. Reevaluate Your Savings Accounts Interest rates have been trending downward, and many high‑interest savings accounts have quietly reduced their payouts. GIC rates remain more stable, but they too are expected to soften as rate cuts continue. What to do now: Check the current rate on every savings account you hold Compare alternatives and switch if your rate has dropped significantly Consider laddering GICs to lock in competitive yields while they’re still available Make the Most of Your TFSA The Tax‑Free Savings Account remains one of the most powerful tools for Canadians. With annual contribution room increasing over time, it’s an ideal place to shelter both short‑term savings and long‑term investments. Why...
Post a Comment
Read more

article

Labels

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.

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment