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Mortgage Renewal Shock 2026: What Canadian Homeowners Need to Know

  The Reality: Over 60% of Canadian mortgages are renewing in 2025 and 2026—many at rates significantly higher than their original terms. While some homeowners will see relief, others face payment increases of 15–40%. This guide will help you understand what's happening, run the numbers, and explore your options before your renewal date arrives. The Big Picture: What's Happening in 2026 Canada is experiencing a historic wave of mortgage renewals. A large cohort of mortgages originated during the pandemic's historic low-rate period—when rates hovered around 2% or lower in 2020–2021—are now maturing and resetting at today's rates. The Bank of Canada staff estimate that roughly 60% of outstanding mortgages will renew in 2025 and 2026, making this the most significant renewal cycle in decades. In 2026, the average mortgage renewal increase is projected to moderate to around 6%, though individual experiences vary dramatically depending on mortgage type and renewal timing. W...
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How to Prepare Your Investments for Rising Rates in Canada

 

On October 25, the Bank of Canada made a decision: they kept the interest rates steady at 5%. This means that investors need to adjust their portfolios to cope with the new normal of higher borrowing costs and lower bond prices. Here are some tips on how to do that:

1. Reduce your exposure to long-term bonds. Long-term bonds are more sensitive to interest rate changes than short-term bonds, so they will lose more value when rates go up. You can switch to shorter-term bonds or bond funds, or use bond ladders to stagger the maturity dates of your bonds.

2. Diversify your income sources. Interest income from bonds will likely decline as rates rise, so you may want to look for other sources of income, such as dividends, real estate investment trusts (REITs), or preferred shares. These assets can provide steady cash flow and may also benefit from economic growth and inflation.

3. Consider adding some inflation protection. Higher interest rates often come with higher inflation, which erodes the purchasing power of your money. You can protect yourself from inflation by investing in assets that tend to rise in value when prices go up, such as commodities, gold, or inflation-linked bonds.

4. Review your asset allocation. Higher interest rates may affect the performance of different asset classes, so you may need to rebalance your portfolio to maintain your desired risk-reward profile. For example, you may want to reduce your exposure to growth stocks that rely on cheap debt to fund their expansion, and increase your exposure to value stocks that have strong cash flows and dividends.

5. Seek professional advice. Adjusting your portfolio for higher interest rates can be complex and challenging, especially if you have a long-term horizon and multiple goals. You may want to consult a financial planner or advisor who can help you create a personalized plan that suits your needs and preferences.

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