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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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Canada Posts $1 Billion Trade Deficit in April

 

Canada recorded a merchandise trade deficit of $1.0 billion in April, according to Statistics Canada. This result follows a revised deficit of $2.0 billion for March, which was initially reported as $2.3 billion.

Here are the key points:

  • Exports:
    • Total exports in April increased by 2.6% to $64.4 billion.
    • Exports of energy products rose by 2.7%, with natural gas exports surging by 60.1%.
    • Crude oil exports also gained 3.0%.
    • Metal and non-metallic mineral products exports rose by 4.7%, driven by unwrought gold, silver, and platinum group metals.
  • Imports:
    • Total imports rose by 1.1% to $65.5 billion in April.
    • Imports of motor vehicles and parts increased by 4.2%.
    • Imports of aircraft and other transportation equipment and parts surged by 23.7%, including the delivery of several ships.
  • Trade in Services:
    • Canada’s monthly international trade in services deficit increased to $1.1 billion in April.
    • Imports of services rose by 1.1% to $18.0 billion, while exports of services remained essentially unchanged at $16.9 billion.
  • Combined Trade Deficit:
    • When goods and services are combined, Canada’s total trade deficit with the world was $2.2 billion in April, compared to $2.9 billion in March.

Economists expect further export gains due to higher oil pipeline capacity and one-off events in the auto sector, while imports may decline due to weak domestic demand and elevated inventory levels.


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