Bank of Canada to take cautious path with two more hikes in 2018: Reuters poll
Interest Rates to Raise Again
The Bank of Canada is on course to raise interest rates twice more this year as it aims to strike a balance between a stronger economy and a number of economic risks, including trade negotiations and new housing regulations, a Reuters poll found.
The central bank has raised interest rates three times since last July, amid a robust job market and solid economic growth, but policymakers have said repeatedly they will be cautious in considering further hikes.
The Fate of NAFTA
Indeed, there are many unknowns for the bank to be cautious about, particularly the uncertain fate of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) as negotiators convene for a seventh round of talks this week.
Fourth-quarter growth is also on track to come in below the Bank of Canada’s 2.5 percent forecast, which economists said is likely to leave the data-dependent central bank on hold.
“Given the more modest pace of economic growth recently, as well as the uncertainty surrounding NAFTA and the housing regulations, we believe the Bank of Canada will move to the sidelines for a spell,” said Benjamin Reitzes, Canadian rates and macros strategist at BMO Capital Markets.
What do the Analysts Think
The 30 analysts polled by Reuters unanimously forcast the central bank will hold its benchmark rate at 1.25 percent at its next announcement on March 7.
From there, the median forecast is for a hike in the second quarter and anouther increase in the fourth quarter, which will bring rates to 1.75 percent by the end of the year.
While the second-quarter hike is a quarter sooner than anticipated in the last Reuters poll done in January, it still leaves rates at the same level that was expected for 2018. Analysts expect rates to go to 2 percent in the first quarter of 2019.
Markets see an 80 percent probability the Bank of Canada will raise rates in May, while a hike is fully priced in for July.
How Will Canadians Handle the Hike?
How heavily indebted Canadians will handle the rate hikes the central bank has already put in place is another risk factor policymakers have said they are closely watching.
Consumer debt in Canada has ballooned in the years since the global financial crisis, with much of that going to a housing market where prices have climbed, particularly in the major cities of Toronto and Vancouver.
Dampened House Resales
Tighter mortgage lending rules put in place at the start of the year have already dampened house resales and economists expect the central bank will be wary of moving too aggressively and risking a more disorderly pullback in the market.
BC to Face a Challenging Adjustment Period
As well, the province of British Columbia, home to Canada’s most expensive real estate market, earlier this month announced it will crack down on real estate speculators by expanding its foreign buyers tax and introducing a new speculation tax.
“It wouldn’t be appropriate to increase the policy rate further knowing that the British Columbia housing market is about to begin a challenging adjustment period,” said Sebastien Lavoie, chief economist at Laurentian Bank of Canada.
How Client First Mortgage Solutions Can Help You
Some homeowners are nervous about any hikes in interest rates, while others are comfortable to go with the flow. Rates are tough to predict, having said that analysts are predicting two more hikes in 2018. For more information on rate hikes and mortgage information be sure to visit our website www.clientfirstmortgages.com. Also if your mortgage is coming up for a renewal, be sure to read 10 things to consider before your mortgage renews.
Instead of basing your decision on what you are hearing in the news, it’s best to base your decision on your current personal situation. After talking with you and reviewing all of your information, we can help you decide whether to opt for fixed or variable rates. Contact us today.
Original Article – Reuters Business News – February 27, 2018
