My Real Estate Blog - Market Trends, Tips & Updates
Households struggle as lenders hike rates
1/15/2018 | Posted in Mortgage Interest Rates by Paul DeAdder | Back to Main Blog Page
If the Bank of Canada decides to increase interest rates this week it will pile further pressure on millions of already-struggling households, while some lenders are already making changes to rates.
A survey from insolvency firm MNP reveals that almost half of respondents are within $200 of being unable to meet their monthly financial obligations.
The report shows that a third of households are already unable to meet their monthly costs with a similar share concerned about their levels of debt, 38% regretting taking on so much debt, and 55% not expecting to have a debt-free retirement.
Four in ten Canadians are concerned that they would be in financial trouble if interest rates rise much more; a third could be facing insolvency.
The Financial Post reports that RBC, TD and CIBC have all increased mortgage rates with 5-year fixed rate loans now above 5%.
Many economists are expecting BoC Governor Stephen Poloz to announce the first interest rate rise of 2018 on Wednesday.
