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Bond Yields Are Nearing 5%: What It Means for Your Mortgage and HELOC

  Published September 11, 2026 Something is happening in the bond market this week that matters more to your wallet than the daily swings in the TSX. The yield on the 10-year US Treasury note closed in on 5% on Friday — 4.95% , its highest level since 2023 and approaching territory not seen since 2007 — after climbing 18 basis points in a single week. Canadian bond yields have followed the same path: the 10-year Government of Canada bond hit its highest level in over two years earlier this month, and the 5-year bond — the one that actually sets your fixed mortgage rate — has drifted up to roughly 3.41%, about a quarter-point higher than it was a month ago. If you're renewing a mortgage, shopping for a HELOC, or just trying to figure out whether now is the moment to lock in, here's what's actually going on and what it means for your payments. Why bond yields, not the Bank of Canada, are driving fixed rates right now It's a common mix-up: people watch the Bank of Canada...
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How inflation affects your taxes in 2024



If you are a Canadian taxpayer, you may want to know how inflation will impact your taxes in 2024. The Canada Revenue Agency has announced that most income tax and benefit amounts will be indexed to inflation using a 4.7 per cent rate, which is higher than the previous years. This means that the tax brackets, the basic personal amount, and some tax credits will increase to reflect the rising cost of living. Here are some of the key changes you need to know:

  • Tax brackets: The federal income tax brackets for 2024 have been adjusted to account for inflation. The new thresholds are: $55,867 for the 15 per cent bracket, $111,733 for the 20.5 per cent bracket, $173,205 for the 26 per cent bracket, $246,752 for the 29 per cent bracket, and above that for the 33 per cent bracket. The provincial tax brackets have also been indexed to inflation, but using different rates depending on the province.
  • Basic personal amount: The basic personal amount (BPA) is the amount of income you can earn without paying any federal tax. The BPA for 2024 is $15,705, which is higher than the 2023 amount of $15,000. However, the BPA is gradually reduced for taxpayers with net income above $173,205, until it reaches $14,156 for net income of $246,752 or more. The BPA is worth 15 per cent of its value as a non-refundable tax credit.
  • Non-refundable tax credits: Some non-refundable tax credits, such as the age amount, the spouse or common-law partner amount, and the eligible dependant amount, have also been increased for 2024 to reflect inflation. These credits are calculated by multiplying the amount by 15 per cent, the lowest federal tax rate. For example, the age amount for 2024 is $8,421, which means you can claim a credit of $1,263 if you are 65 or older.
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