Bank of Canada Interest Rate Update - December 2023

The Bank of Canada (BoC) met on December 6th and made the decision to leave rates unchanged again this month. Our economy is slowing and inflation is continuing to ease, and it is very much anticipated that we are now at the end of the rate hiking cycle. However, the BoC has remained very clear that they are prepared to increase rates further, if needed. Variable rate borrowers should continue to remain cautiously optimistic.

To read the official December 6th announcement, please click HERE

The market expectation, especially after the U.S. Federal Reserve announcement yesterday, is now looking much more positive in terms of when we may see the first rate cut. The first rate cut could be seen as early as March 2024, and it is anticipated that we may see a 1.00% reduction in interest rates over the next 12-18 months. From there, rates are projected to ease by another 1.00% by the end of 2026. And so, as previously mentioned, although the end of rate hikes may be in sight, we still have a ways to go. Furthermore, rates can take an unexpected turn at any time. As such, my top recommendation continues to be that we must ensure your financial house is in order so that you are better able to weather this storm, and I am here to help you through this. Please do not wait to reach out to me until it’s too late. If you have any high interest debt or are struggling with your payments, I am here to help.

If you are at risk of missing ANY payments, credit cards or personal loans/LOCs, but especially a mortgage payment, I urge you to call me first. If you own a home, there are solutions for you! And lenders are willing to work with borrowers who are struggling with payments to ensure we support all Canadians through this difficult time. So please do not wait until it's too late to ask for help. 

What does this rate announcement mean for you?    

If you have a fixed rate mortgage, nothing changes for you today. However, if you have a mortgage that is up for renewal in the next 6-12 months, we should definitely talk so that we can make a plan to prepare you for the likely higher payment that you may face. 

If you are in a variable rate mortgage, no changes for you either!! And let's hope for some relief soon! 

If you are in a "fixed payment - variable interest" product...    

And your payments have not yet changed, then you have likely hit or passed your "Trigger Rate", and you may be nearing your "Trigger Point". It is important that you understand the consequences of this, so please reach out to me so that I can explain your specific situation and my recommendations for what to do. You have great options in this product, until you don't, so please don't wait until it's too late to reach out to me for my suggestions on what to do. 

Do not make any changes until we have talked. It is so important that you fully understand the implications of any changes that you make to your mortgage, and the branch staff is not trained to properly advise you on this. I am your trusted advisor, this is what I am here for and I am happy to help!

Should I lock-in my variable rate now?   

If locking-in to a fixed rate is something you are considering, let's talk. You may want to consider a short term fixed rate, which can offer you the fixed comfort today while still being able to renew at a time when rates are (hopefully) lower. 

I am personally going to continue to ride this out in my variable rate mortgages, as the current lock-in rates are too high for it to make sense for me. However, my budget can support the risk of staying variable, and the lock-in rates don't work for my situation. With that said, many of our clients are seeing an opportunity to save right now if their variable rate is high enough, and especially for our clients who have other high interest debt with payments that are becoming unmanageable. If you have any concerns and are thinking of locking-in, please let me know and let's work together to brainstorm the right strategy for you. 

Some of our lowest fixed rate options available today:

*Conditions apply

1 year fixed @ 6.79%*

2 year fixed @ 6.39%*

3 year fixed @ 5.54%*

4 year fixed @ 5.34%*

5 year fixed @ 5.09%*

I want to lock-in to a fixed rate, what do I do now?    

Contact your lender directly and ask them what rate they will offer you to lock-in. Request all terms available to you, including 2 or 3 year rates if possible. Once you have that information please send it to me and I will help you with a strategy. Do not make any changes until we have talked. It is so important that you fully understand the implications of any changes that you make to your mortgage, and the branch staff is not trained to properly advise you on this. I am your trusted advisor, this is what I am here for and I am happy to help!

Our team is here to support you every step of the way! 

Wishing you and your families a happy and peaceful holiday season!