Countdown begins to interest rate hikes

Financial Post- The Bank of Canada took its first steps Tuesday toward returning the country to more normal interest rate levels by signaling a more hawkish tone on inflation and acknowledging the economy is performing better than expected on "vigorous" consumer demand.

The messages were conveyed in the Bank of Canada’s latest interest-rate statement, which kept its record-low benchmark rate of 0.25% as is and pledged to keep it there until July. But most bank watchers took note of subtle changes in the statement, compared with previous rate announcements, and there was enough there for them to begin the countdown to rate hikes.

"I suspect [governor] Mark Carney and company are starting to feel the urge to tighten — not a strong urge now, but an urge nevertheless," said Michael Gregory, senior economist at BMO Capital Markets…

Countdown begins to interest rate hikes

BoC maintains 0.25% rate: Analysts’ reaction - FP Posted

Financial Post- As expected the Bank of Canada said Tuesday it will maintain its benchmark rate at 0.25% continuing a plan started last year to keep the rate unchanged through to the second quarter of 2010. Here’s what some of Canada’s economists had to say about the matter…

BoC maintains 0.25% rate: Analysts’ reaction - FP Posted

Your line of credit just got jacked

 Times Colonist, Victoria, BC - What’s going on with your line of credit? It is most likely rising, much to the chagrin of many Canadians who thought it would continue to track the Bank of Canada’s key benchmark rate, percentage point for point…

Your line of credit just got jacked