Canadian Banks Release Interest Rate Predictions
Canada’s Big 5 banks recently released their interest rate forecasts. Their projections are summarized as follows.
Projections in the Overnight Rate (All number are in percentage points and are rounded to the nearest 1/4 point)
The 2010 forecast represents a change of +25 basis points from the current overnight rate of 0.75%, while the 2011 forecast represents a 150 basis point change from 0.75%.
5-Year Government Bond Yield Forecast
5-year fixed rates follow 5-year government bond yields.
The 2010 forecast represents a change of +36 basis points from the current yields, while the 2011 forecast represents a +127 basis point change.
Variable Rate Mortgage Forecast
The average outlook right now is a prime rate increase of 150 basis points over the next 16 months, implying a prime rate of 4.25% by December 31, 2011 (the current prime rate is 2.75%). Based on a 70 basis point discount applied to the prime rate to calculate variable rates, economists are predicting that 5-year variable mortgage rates will rest in the 3.55% range by the end of 2011.
Fixed-Rate Mortgage Forecast
5-year bond yields are expected to climb 137 basis points placing the 5-year bond yield at 3.41% by the end of 2011. Assuming a 120 basis point spread above yields, 5-year fixed mortgage rates are predicted to be approximately 4.61% by the end of 2011.
To view the most accurate and up-to-date Canadian mortgage rates, visit Ratehub.ca’s Best Mortgage Rates. Use our mortgage calculator to view the effects of the recent interest rate cuts on your mortgage payments.
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