Lending growth slows abruptly in Canada Published by Hilliard MacBeth on May 25, 2018 Changes to the rules for qualifying for mortgages in Canada have been introduced in several stages recently. And these rules, on a cumulative basis, are starting to have a noticeable impact on lending to households and the housing market. Since availability... Read more
U.S., Mexico and Canada miss NAFTA deadline Published by Hilliard MacBeth on May 18, 2018 The deadline to resolve the impasse in negotiations to amend the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) passed without a resolution of the issues. The negotiators were not talking as of Wednesday. If the NAFTA agreement is canceled by the President... Read more
Crude oil price surges lead to recessions Published by Hilliard MacBeth on May 11, 2018 The price of crude oil pushed above $70 in the last week, bringing back memories of previous oil shocks that shook the world. In decades past, oil price surges have been highly correlated with the onset of economic downturns. Is this latest move to higher... Read more
Bank of Canada Governor Poloz speaks about household debt Published by Hilliard MacBeth on May 04, 2018 Bank of Canada Governor Poloz spoke in Yellowknife, N.W.T., on May 1, 2018. He explained that household debts are large and increasing and represent a threat to the stability of the Canadian financial system. He concluded the speech with, “There is good... Read more