Bank of Canada Rate Announcement Jan 22nd, 2020

Silverman Mortgage | January 22, 2020

The Bank of Canada today maintained its target for the overnight rate at 1 ¾ percent. The Bank Rate is correspondingly 2 percent and the deposit rate is 1 ½ percent.


The global economy is showing signs of stabilization, and some recent trade developments have been positive. However, there remains a high degree of uncertainty and geopolitical tensions have re-emerged, with tragic consequences. The Canadian economy has been resilient but indicators since the October Monetary Policy Report (MPR) have been mixed.


Data for Canada indicate that growth in the near term will be weaker, and the output gap wider, than the Bank projected in October. The Bank now estimates growth of 0.3 percent in the fourth quarter of 2019 and 1.3 percent in the first quarter of 2020. Exports fell in late 2019, and business investment appears to have weakened after a strong third quarter. Job creation has slowed and indicators of consumer confidence and spending have been unexpectedly soft. In contrast, residential investment was robust through most of 2019, moderating to a still-solid pace in the fourth quarter.


Some of the slowdown in growth in late 2019 was related to special factors that include strikes, poor weather, and inventory adjustments. The weaker data could also signal that global economic conditions have been affecting Canada’s economy to a greater extent than was predicted. Moreover, during the past year Canadians have been saving a larger share of their incomes, which could signal increased consumer caution. This could dampen consumer spending but help to alleviate financial vulnerabilities at the same time.


Looking ahead, Canadian business investment and exports are expected to contribute modestly to growth, supported by stronger global activity and demand. The Bank is also projecting a pickup in household spending, supported by population and income growth, as well as by the recent federal income tax cut. In its January MPR, the Bank projects the global economy will grow by just over 3 percent in 2020 and 3 ¼ percent in 2021. For Canada, the Bank now forecasts real GDP will grow by 1.6 percent this year and 2 percent in 2021, following 1.6 percent growth in 2019.


While the output gap has widened in recent months, measures of inflation remain around 2 percent. This is consistent with an economy that, until recently, has been operating close to capacity. The Bank expects inflation will stay around the 2 percent target over the projection horizon, with some fluctuations in 2020 from volatility in energy prices. Meanwhile, labour markets in most regions have little slack and wages continue to firm.


In determining the future path for the Bank’s policy interest rate, Governing Council will be watching closely to see if the recent slowdown in growth is more persistent than forecast. In assessing incoming data, the Bank will be paying particular attention to developments in consumer spending, the housing market, and business investment.


Information note


The next scheduled date for announcing the overnight rate target is March 4, 2020. The next full update of the Bank’s outlook for the economy and inflation, including risks to the projection, will be published in the MPR on April 15, 2020.


The remaining announcement dates for 2020 are as follows:


March 4, 2020

April 15, 2020

June 3, 2020

July 15, 2020

September 9, 2020

October 28, 2020

December 9, 2020

RECENT POSTS

What You Need to Know About Mortgages and Parental Leave

By Zach Silverman • July 22, 2026
If the title of this article caught your attention, chances are your family is growing. Congratulations. If you’re thinking now is the right time to move into a home that better fits your growing family—but you’re unsure how parental leave affects your ability to qualify for a mortgage—you’re in the right place. Here’s the good news. Qualifying for a mortgage while on parental leave is possible when it’s done correctly. When you work with an independent mortgage professional, lenders can often qualify you based on your return-to-work income , as long as you can provide documentation confirming you have guaranteed employment waiting for you. A word of caution If you walk into a bank branch and disclose that you’re currently on parental leave, there’s a chance the bank will only allow you to qualify using your parental leave income. That can significantly reduce your borrowing power. Parental leave income is typically limited to 55% of your previous earnings, up to a weekly maximum. Qualifying on that amount alone can restrict your options and impact the type of home you can purchase. Why lender choice matters One of the biggest advantages of working with an independent mortgage professional is choice . You’re not limited to one lender’s rules or products. Some lenders will allow you to qualify using 100% of your confirmed return-to-work income , which can make a meaningful difference in your approval amount and overall options. What you’ll need to qualify Most lenders will require an employment letter that includes: Employer name (preferably on company letterhead) Your job title Original start date (to confirm probation has been completed) Confirmed return-to-work date Guaranteed salary upon return Lenders want reassurance that your income will resume once parental leave ends. You may also be asked to provide income history from the past couple of years, which is standard for most mortgage applications. One important note Whether or not you actually return to work after parental leave is entirely your decision. From a mortgage perspective, qualification is based on having a confirmed position available to you at the time of approval. If you have questions about qualifying for a mortgage while on parental leave—or anything mortgage-related—please connect anytime. I’d be happy to walk you through your options and help you plan with confidence.

Bank of Canada Holds Rate at 2.25% — July 15, 2026

By Zach Silverman • July 15, 2026
The Bank of Canada announced today that it is holding its target for the overnight rate at 2.25%, with the Bank Rate at 2.5% and the deposit rate at 2.20%. The tone of today's announcement is notably more optimistic than previous months. Here's what's changed and what it means for you.

Need Funds Between Buying and Selling? Here’s How Deposit Loans & Bridge Financing Help

By Zach Silverman • July 8, 2026
You’ve outgrown your current home. It no longer fits your life, so moving makes sense. And you’re not interested in juggling two properties. Selling first and buying something new feels like the right move. Ideally, you want possession of the new home before leaving the old one. That overlap makes moving easier, reduces stress, and gives you time to paint, renovate, or settle in before the boxes arrive. But there’s a common challenge. What if the down payment for your next home is tied up in the equity of the one you’re selling? That’s where bridge financing comes in. How bridge financing works Bridge financing temporarily unlocks equity from your current home once it has a firm sale . It bridges the gap between selling your existing property and purchasing your next one, allowing you to use that equity toward your down payment. What about competitive markets? In a hot market, a strong offer often means a larger deposit . If you don’t have that cash sitting in your account, but you do have equity, a deposit loan can help you compete with confidence. The non-negotiable requirement To qualify for bridge financing or a deposit loan, your current home must have a firm, unconditional sale . No firm sale = no bridge or deposit loan. Lenders need certainty to calculate available equity and manage risk. Bottom line A firm sale is the key that unlocks bridge financing and deposit loans. If you’re planning a move and want to understand how these options could work for you, let’s talk. I’m always happy to walk you through your options and help you plan your next step with confidence.