Another Interest Rate Increase: What Does This Mean For You?

Canada saw seven interest rate rises between March and December.

The last rise of the year happened on Wednesday, December 7th. While some economists were expecting a .25-point interest rate rise, others were not surprised by the .50 base points, which was a bigger leap reflecting the battle against stubborn inflation.

The Bank of Canada's overnight rate now sits at 4.25%, which takes the Prime Rate to 6.45%.  According to CBC, the Bank of Canada is still considering whether the rate will need to go higher in 2023 to combat inflation. According to Brett House, a 'Fellow of the Public Policy Forum',  after the December rate rise, there may be more rate rises in 2023 before the Bank of Canada holds rates for a period of time.

What this effect will have on house prices is anyone's guess. It may stabilize prices from their free fall since March 2022 to more realistic home prices in the coming years.  The corresponding higher interest rates and looming recession could lower house prices at the same time but also make lending criteria harder. The Stress Test will determine how much Canadians will be allowed to borrow.

Recently, the Senior Deputy Governor of the Bank of Canada, Carolyn Rogers, gave a timely speech on Canada's financial system and the road ahead, combating inflation and giving hope to young lenders. 

So while interest rates close out the year a lot higher than many of us would like, the future projections are looking hopeful.  Here's to lower interest rates and lower inflation, and a brighter and prosperous 2023.

And remember, if you want to talk about the health of your mortgage and how to get the very best rates available to you as you navigate through the challenges of this time, we are here to help.