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1 in 4 Canadians Can Only Afford the Minimum Payment on Their Credit Card

  Published August 24, 2026 · Canadian Money Brief A new survey from Equifax Canada puts a hard number on something a lot of us have felt creeping up all year: credit cards are doing more of the heavy lifting in Canadian budgets, and fewer people are paying them off. Of more than 1,500 Canadians surveyed, a quarter said they expect to make only the minimum monthly payment on their credit card, and another 7% think they'll fall behind entirely. That leaves just over half — 56% — who expect to pay their balance in full each month. The survey also found that 40% of respondents are spending more overall than they were a year ago, more than double the 18% who say they're spending less. Nearly 3 in 10 said they're leaning more heavily on credit cards to cover essentials like groceries and utilities, and close to a quarter are dipping into savings to keep up with everyday costs. More than a third have cut back on contributions to savings, investments, or education funds to make ro...

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Market Predicts 50 Basis Point Rate Cut by BoC Amidst Weak Job Data

 

In a surprising turn of events, money markets are now heavily betting on an oversized 50 basis point rate cut by the Bank of Canada (BoC) next week, following today's disappointing jobs data. Analysts had anticipated a more conservative cut, but the weaker-than-expected employment figures have shifted expectations dramatically.

The BoC had previously cut interest rates by 50 basis points in October, bringing the rate down to 3.75%. This move was aimed at curbing inflation and supporting economic growth. However, today's job data revealed a sluggish labor market, with modest job layoffs and weak business hiring, particularly affecting young people and newcomers to Canada.

Economists are now predicting that the BoC will take a more aggressive stance to stimulate the economy, with a 50 basis point cut seen as necessary to maintain inflation at the 2% target and support economic recovery. The market's reaction underscores the growing concerns about the economic outlook and the need for more substantial measures to boost growth.

As the BoC prepares for its December rate decision, all eyes will be on the central bank to see if it follows through with the anticipated rate cut. The decision will have significant implications for borrowing costs and overall economic activity in Canada.



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