Canada spared from Trump’s new import tariffs, but auto sector still faces 25% levy
Instead, Canada remains subject to earlier tariffs tied to U.S. concerns over fentanyl and illegal immigration, including a 25% levy on non-USMCA-compliant goods and 10% on energy exports. Roughly 40% of Canada’s exports currently qualify as USMCA-compliant, but that share could rise to 80–90% as more firms adjust, according to a report from TD. The […]
Surge in CMHC-insured multi-unit lending shows no signs of slowing
The volume of multi-unit residential properties financed through insured loans jumped nearly 75% in the first nine months of 2024 compared to the same period in 2021, according to Morningstar DBRS. That’s despite a more modest 20% increase in purpose-built rental starts over the same timeframe. While the data includes both new construction and financing […]
Fannie Mae Now Expects Mortgage Rates to Be 30 Basis Points Lower By Year End
The latest mortgage rate forecast from Fannie Mae is a good one, assuming you’re a prospective home buyer or an existing homeowner. The government-sponsored enterprise (GSE) lowered their forecast pretty dramatically from a month earlier. They now expect the 30-year fixed to be a full 30 basis points lower by the end of 2025. And […]
Calgary home sales slide 19% as economic uncertainty grows
The Calgary Real Estate Board (CREB) reported 2,159 sales in March, down from the same month last year, with declines seen across all property types. Apartment and row homes were hardest hit, following a surge in activity last year. “It’s not a surprise to see a pullback in sales given the uncertainty,” said Ann-Marie Lurie, […]
CIBC and Indigenous-led Longhouse Capital Partners form strategic relationship
The bank says the relationship will give its institutional clients opportunities to expand access to private markets through investments in Indigenous-managed alternative investment options such as private infrastructure debt. It says Longhouse focuses on private infrastructure debt so Indigenous communities can invest in assets like transmission lines, renewable energy, and transportation projects. Paul Cugno, chief […]
Mortgage Rates Appear to Be Falling as Recession Fears Rise
As always, it’s been hard to determine the path forward for mortgage rates. They’re never easy to predict, but since the new administration took over, it’s been even harder. You can blame it on a few things, whether it’s the DOGE-led government layoffs, the tariffs and wider trade war, or the general uncertainty of it […]
TMG taps next generation of leaders as it marks 35 years in business
Starting today, TMG CEO Mark Kerzner is passing the torch as he steps away from the role of president as he shifts focus to high-level strategic governance. Dan Pultr, formerly SVP of Strategic Initiatives, will now serve as president and COO. Dan Pultr, President and COO The company has also tapped former Pineapple Chief Strategy […]
Downtown office market notches slight improvement despite tariff threats
By Ian Bickis The national vacancy rate for downtown offices dipped to 19.9% in the first quarter after hitting a record high of 20% in the previous quarter. The report says both Toronto and Vancouver saw declining vacancy rates despite the overhang of tariffs, but that the overall market remains in limbo because of the […]
Mortgage fraud falling overall, but rising among first-time buyers
According to Equifax Canada’s latest Market Pulse Report, the national mortgage fraud rate dropped to 0.2% in Q4 2024—a level not seen since Q2 2022. “The mortgage fraud rate has remained relatively low, with application fraud significantly down by 37.6%,” said Cherolle Prince, Director of Fraud Consulting at Equifax Canada. Despite the overall decline, Alberta, […]
Singh pledges low-interest, government-backed mortgages for first-time homebuyers
On a campaign stop in Port Moody, B.C., this weekend, Singh unveiled a plan to offer low-interest, fixed-term mortgages directly backed by the federal government. The program would be available to first-time buyers and, according to Singh, could save borrowers “tens of thousands of dollars” in interest payments. For example, a reduction of just 0.5% […]