Economy

Fed keeps key rate unchanged while signalling future hikes

The Federal Reserve is leaving its benchmark interest rate unchanged while signalling further gradual rate hikes in the months ahead as long as the economy stays healthy. The Fed’s decision left the central bank’s key short-term rate at 1.75% to 2%—the level hit in June when the Fed boosted the rate for a second time […]

By Staff, with files from The Associated Press |August 1, 2018

1 min read

Economy grows by 0.5% in May, beating expectations

The Canadian economy grew by 0.5% in May, amid solid growth in both domestic and export-oriented sectors, reports StatsCan. The 0.5% month-over-month increase was two ticks above consensus, and compares to an increase of 0.1% in April. The strong number is enough to put the second quarter on pace for roughly 3% growth “even with […]

By Staff |July 31, 2018

2 min read

Does your client need help with home equity?

Housing data reveal potential challenges for clients

By Staff, with files from The Canadian Press |July 31, 2018

3 min read

Younger, middle-class households to bear brunt of rate hikes

A newly released federal analysis says younger, middle-income households will feel the biggest impacts from the Bank of Canada’s gradual move towards higher interest rates. The briefing note prepared for Finance Minister Bill Morneau examines the types of households—by income, age and region—most affected by the central bank’s rate-hiking path from extremely low levels. Read: […]

By The Canadian Press |July 30, 2018

1 min read