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Canadian Economic Outlook: Low Interest Rates, Inflation Trends, and Housing Market Dynamics

Canadian Economic Outlook: Low Interest Rates, Inflation Trends, and Housing Market Dynamics

 Following the contractionary monetary policy of the Bank of Canada aimed at controlling inflation, the interest rate has now reached its lowest level in the last three years. Initially, it was anticipated that the Bank of Canada would begin cutting interest rates in 2024, with speculations pointing to a potential cut in the summer. Investors currently expect a roughly 50% chance of a first rate cut in June. Canada's annual inflation rate fell to 2.7% in April, down from 2.9% the previous month, marking the fourth consecutive month of easing in the annual rate of core inflation. This trend supports the case for policymakers to consider an easing cycle in the coming months. However, a slight increase in the monthly inflation pace may cast doubt on a June rate cut.

 Simultaneously, the Canadian dollar weakened to a near five-month low against the stronger U.S. dollar on Friday, as recent economic data fueled expectations that the Bank of Canada would begin cutting interest rates before the Federal Reserve. The loonie was trading 0.6% lower at 1.3765 to the U.S. dollar, after touching its weakest intraday level since November 14 at 1.3779. For the week, the currency saw its biggest decline since May 2023, dropping 1.3%.

 In the real estate sector, Canadian home sales rose by 0.5% in March from February, and increased 1.7% year-over-year, according to data from the Canadian Real Estate Association. To address the housing demand-supply gap, Canada plans to build nearly 3.9 million houses by 2031 under a new federal initiative announced by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Despite the Bank of Canada's decision to hold rates, real estate experts note that many potential homebuyers are waiting for rate cuts before entering the market, though demand for some properties remains high.

 Shirin Saleh, managing broker and real estate expert, believes the housing market is in a "holding pattern" characterized by tight supply and strong competition for desirable properties. She observes that while some consumers are willing to take on higher interest rates now to avoid the anticipated market frenzy when rates drop, others are stepping back from their searches, having lost faith that rates will decline as quickly or significantly as previously predicted. Saleh’s comments come after the Bank of Canada held its policy rate at 5% for the sixth consecutive meeting, signaling that rate cuts are near but more evidence of easing inflationary pressures is needed.

 Rate cuts could boost Canadian buyers' confidence in purchasing homes, as they might expect interest rates to either remain stable or decrease in the year. In Vancouver, demand remains high ahead of a potential rate cut. Saleh notes that buyers currently active in the market are mostly pre-approved and able to proceed with their purchases despite the central bank's rate hold. However, many potential buyers are pausing their plans due to elevated interest rates.

 Samin Sobhi, a mortgage broker, advises that in the current environment, fixed rates remain significantly lower than variable rates. He suggests that when the gap between fixed and variable rates narrows, it might be a good time to consider moving to a low variable rate, although that isn't the case with today's rate hold. Sobhi adds that those with variable rates or home equity lines of credit will need to remain patient until the central bank lowers rates.

 The Bank of Canada's next scheduled announcement on the overnight rate target is on June 5, 2024. The bank will also publish its next full outlook for the economy and inflation, including risks to the projection, in the Monetary Policy Report on July 24, 2024. The decisions made in these upcoming announcements will be closely watched.

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