Interest rate rise “a done deal” but impact is showing says TD
TD forecasts slower pace in home activity
Steve Randall
Canadian Real Estate Wealth
There is little dispute among economists that the Bank of Canada will increase interest rates again this week.
Wednesday’s hike will be accompanied by explanation as to why this is necessary in the context of better-than-expected economic growth in the third quarter and core inflation is on target.
TD Economics senior economist Fotios Raptis says the hike is “a done deal” but notes in a report that the impact of rising interest rates is starting to bite.
He highlights weaker retail and consumer spending data with nominal spending declining in Saskatchewan, Quebec, Alberta, and British Columbia.
National home sales were also weaker in September and growth in home prices was weaker. TD is forecasting a slower pace of home activity in the months ahead as mortgage costs and affordability weigh.
Headline inflation, Raptis points out, was also down sharply in September with the CPI rising 2.2% year-over-year, well below the expected 2.7%.
However, with a strong business outlook, tight labour market, and rising wages, he believes that the BoC has reason to believe the economy can withstand another rate rise.
Rate rises will remain gradual Meanwhile, CIBC Economics’ Avery Shenfeld says the BoC will remain cautious on rate rises following this week’s near-certain hike.
Apart from the NAFTA-replacement USMCA trade deal, not much has changed since the central bank last spoke of gradual rate rises.
Although Shenfeld expects Governor Poloz to avoid too much forward guidance although there should be positive talk regarding growth in 2018 and 2019.
Copyright © 2018 Key Media Pty Ltd