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Why Interest Rates Matter for Canadians

Interest rates are the single most powerful lever in Canada's economy.  When the Bank of Canada adjusts its policy rate, the effects reach every household—from the cost of carrying a mortgage to the return on a savings account. With rates currently at 2.25% and significant uncertainty ahead, understanding how rates work has never been more important for your finances. What Is the Bank of Canada's Policy Rate? The Bank of Canada sets the overnight policy rate—the interest rate at which major banks lend money to each other. This rate serves as a benchmark that influences borrowing and lending costs across the entire economy. When the Bank raises or lowers this rate, commercial banks adjust their prime rates accordingly, which directly affects the rates you pay on mortgages, lines of credit, and other loans. The Bank's primary goal is to keep inflation near its 2% target. When inflation runs too hot, the Bank raises rates to cool spending. When the economy slows, it cuts rates...
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Toronto Home Sales Fall in July After June Uptick, Prices Slightly Up

 

In July, Greater Toronto area home sales experienced a month-to-month decline of 1.7%, following a surprising 3.2% rise in June. These figures, reported by the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB), broke a four-month streak of declining home deals. Despite this dip, average home prices edged up by 0.2% to reach C$1.13 million, the highest since December. Meanwhile, new listings decreased by 0.8%. 

The market’s anticipation of further rate cuts from the Bank of Canada has contributed to rising demand, with the central bank already reducing its key policy rate twice this year. As the cost of borrowing is expected to decline further, TRREB President Jennifer Pearce predicts accelerated sales due to lower monthly mortgage payments. On a year-over-year basis, sales were up by 3.28% in July, and new listings increased by 18.47%. Toronto, accounting for two-thirds of the country’s condominium sales, remains a bellwether for other major metropolitan areas.

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