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BoC Opens the Door to Rate Hikes: What It Means for Your Mortgage

  Published September 4, 2026 The Bank of Canada held its policy rate at 2.25% on September 2 — the seventh straight hold — but Governor Tiff Macklem didn't sound like a central banker done for the year. He told reporters the Bank is "prepared to raise interest rates, and if it takes more than one increase, we're prepared to do that," if inflation stays too high. That's a real shift in tone, and it lands right as a wave of Canadians hit their mortgage renewal date. Here's what changed, who's forecasting what, and what it actually means for your payment. Why the Bank Suddenly Sounds Hawkish Canada's annual inflation rate has climbed to around 3% — a full point above the Bank's 2% target — and the Bank is pointing squarely at energy prices. Oil has stayed elevated because of the Iran conflict and disruption near the Strait of Hormuz, pushing gas prices up and dragging headline CPI with it. Core inflation, which strips out food and energy, is still s...
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Resilient America: How the US Continues to Thrive Amid Global Economic Challenges

 


As some of the world’s largest economies grapple with recessionary pressures, the United States stands out as a beacon of resilience. Both Japan and the United Kingdom recently reported weakened economies during the final three months of 2023, marking the second consecutive quarter of decline for each nation—a textbook definition of a recession.

Yet, across the Atlantic, the US economy defies expectations. In the fourth quarter of last year, it surged ahead for the sixth consecutive quarter, confounding predictions that a recession was inevitable. How has America managed this remarkable feat?

Much of the credit goes to American households. Despite numerous challenges, they have continued to spend at a solid rate, driving the majority of the US economy. Here’s how they’ve contributed:

  1. Government Stimulus: When the pandemic hit, government stimulus packages provided a lifeline for households, helping them weather the initial stages of the crisis.

  2. Inflation and Pay Raises: Even as inflation surged, pay raises have helped households keep pace with rising prices for essential goods and services.

  3. Job Market Resilience: Despite layoff announcements, the US job market remains remarkably robust. Fewer workers filed for unemployment benefits last week, signaling stability.

Remaining Risks

While the US economy shines, risks persist:

  1. Inflation Concerns: Inflation could reaccelerate, impacting purchasing power and overall economic stability.

  2. Government Debt: Heavy borrowing by the US government may unsettle financial markets, affecting loans for major purchases.

  3. Commercial Real Estate: Growing losses in commercial real estate could ripple through the financial system. 

For now, the US outlook remains brighter than that of many other major economies. Wall Street’s optimism is palpable, with the S&P 500 index recently surpassing 5,000 for the first time. While challenges persist, America’s resilience continues to defy the odds.

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