Debt

Arab unrest latest threat to European markets Fallback Image Decorative pattern

Economic Indicators

Arab unrest latest threat to European markets

Political unrest has raged across the Middle East and North Africa for much of 2011. Aside from the tragic human cost in the region, the knock-on effects pose a threat well beyond the Arab world, which could derail the global economic recovery. Oil prices have spiked around the world, although promises from Saudi Arabia to […]

By Steven Lamb |February 25, 2011

3 min read

Are Canadians heeding debt warning? Fallback Image Decorative pattern

Economic Indicators

Are Canadians heeding debt warning?

It may be too early to tell, but Canadians may be taking the Bank of Canada’s warnings on household debt to heart, according to a report from CIBC World Markets. In November – the latest month for which data is available – household credit expanded at its slowest rate since 2001, growing by just 0.27% […]

By Steven Lamb |January 26, 2011

2 min read

Bank of Canada holds the line Fallback Image Decorative pattern

Economic Indicators

Bank of Canada holds the line

The Bank of Canada has held the line on interest rates, maintaining the trendsetting Bank Rate at 1.25%. “The global economic recovery is proceeding at a somewhat faster pace than the Bank had anticipated, although risks remain elevated,” the Bank said in a statement. Both the U.S. and Europe are recovering, while some emerging markets […]

By Steven Lamb |January 18, 2011

2 min read

Flaherty tightens mortgage rules Fallback Image Decorative pattern

Economic Indicators

Flaherty tightens mortgage rules

Finance Minister Jim Flaherty has announced new rules for mortgage lending and home equity credit lines designed to rein in growing debt among Canadians. The first of three new measures reduces the maximum amortization period from 35 to 30 years for new government-backed insured mortgages with loan-to-value ratios higher than 80%. “This will significantly reduce […]

By Dean DiSpalatro |January 17, 2011

3 min read