Bank of Canada Summary June 2022
Latest from the Bank of Canada: Another 50-basis Point Increase
As anticipated, The Bank of Canada increased its overnight rate target by 50 basis points today, continuing its policy of quantitative tightening.
Specific to Variable Rate Mortgage holders, Prime will increase from 3.20% to 3.70%.
The risk of elevated inflation becoming ingrained has increased. The Bank of Canada will use its monetary policy tools to return inflation to target and keep inflation expectations well established.
BoC Announcement Highlights:
- Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine, lockdowns in China related to COVID-19, and continuous disruptions in the supply chain have driven inflation upward. There is intense pressure on agricultural and energy commodities due to uncertainty surrounding the war. Prices in the United States remain robust despite the contracting economy we saw in early 2022. Markets are volatile and financial conditions continue to tighten around the globe.
- The Canadian economy is strong and operating in excess demand. Job vacancies are elevated, companies are reporting widespread labour shortages, and wage growth has been picking up and broadening across sectors. Housing market activity remains strong but is starting to moderate from extraordinarily high levels.
- CPI inflation has reached 6.8%, well above the Bank’s target, and is likely to move even higher before easing off. Inflation continues to broaden with core measures of inflation ranging between 3.2% and 5.1%.
A Look Ahead:
With the economy operating in access demand and inflation persisting well above target, the Governing Council judges that interest rates will need to rise further. The policy interest rate is the Bank’s primary monetary policy instrument, and quantitative tightening will complement increases in the policy rate. The Bank’s commitment to achieving the 2% inflation target will be guided by ongoing assessments of the economy.
Fixed or Variable?
- Some of the best fixed-rate mortgages available today are 3.69-3.99%.
- By comparison, variable-rate mortgages are offered at a discount of 2.60%–2.75%.
- Fixed mortgage rates (conventional fixed rates averaging ~4.49% today) have priced in the expectation of the overnight rate reaching 2.75%. As of today, we're sitting at 1.5%. This means fixed rates are likely at or near the high of where they will be for the near future. Unless expectations for the overnight rate push to 3% or beyond, there is no urgency to convert to a fixed rate today. Your variable rate is still significantly lower (by 1.5% to 2%) than what you can ‘fix’ today.
- What we have experienced as of late is the most aggressive rate tightening cycle in more than 20 years. Since March 2022, we've seen a 1.25% increase to the overnight rate. Economic conditions are in constant flux, and it is incredibly difficult to predict the future. One thing is for certain, inflation will be reined in overtime and upward pressure on rates will then ease – the timing is the unknown piece of this puzzle.
Recommendation:
Despite today’s 50-basis point hike, and further increases expected, we still recommend Variable over Fixed as most variable mortgage holders are at ~3% (or lower).
If you have a variable rate mortgage or HELOC, your lender may contact you directly with an offer to ‘lock in’ or ‘convert’ your mortgage, if they haven’t already.
Here Are a Few Things to Consider Before Converting to Fixed:
If you lock in, you’ll be getting a new mortgage with a fixed rate and new terms.
Locking in does not secure your existing rate. You will be offered a new (higher) fixed rate with a term equal or longer than your existing mortgage term.
Penalties: Fixed-rate mortgages come with a much higher penalty should you break your mortgage early (up to 900% higher)!
Variable rates continue to be the lowest rates available.
Historical prime rate changes over the last 14 years have fluctuated as high as 4.50% and as low as 2.25%. While rates may fluctuate over the mortgage term, you will likely pay less interest overall.
Are interest rate increases keeping you up at night?
Statistically, most Canadians prefer fixed-rate products and are willing to pay more for the security of consistent payments. Before you lock into a fixed rate product, please contact us today to review your current lender’s offer.
Final Tips:
If you owe a considerable amount to your HELOC, it may be a good time to consider converting a portion of the balance into an amortized variable or fixed mortgage.
If you're thinking about purchasing a new home, contact one of our Mortgage Specialists today to secure a pre-approval ASAP. This way you are protected from potential rate increases while you consider your options.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss your specific mortgage details further, reach out to Nest Mortgage today!




