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The Fed Just Hiked Rates. Here's What It Means for Your Canadian Mortgage.

  The U.S. Federal Reserve raised its benchmark rate 25 basis points yesterday — the first hike in three years. The Bank of Canada hasn't moved. That gap is now the biggest story in Canadian personal finance. MoneySavings.ca  |  September 17, 2026  |  Canadian Money Brief Yesterday afternoon, the Federal Open Market Committee voted 12-0 to raise the U.S. federal funds rate by a quarter point, pushing it to a target range of 3.75%–4.00%. It's the Fed's first rate hike since July 2023, and Chair Kevin Warsh made clear it almost certainly won't be the last. The Bank of Canada, by contrast, has held its overnight rate at 2.25% through seven straight meetings. It doesn't decide again until October 28. For Canadians with a mortgage, a renewal coming up, or a home equity line of credit, this matters more than it might look at first glance. 3.75–4.00% New U.S. Fed Rate 2.25% Bank of Canada Rate 1.625% Rate Gap (vs. 1.375% yesterday) ~71.5¢ Loonie (post-hike low) What th...
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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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