Description: Mortgage rates in Canada took a drop this week following the Bank of Canada’s 50 basis points cut to its rate. The site ratespy.com – https://www.ratespy.com/ – estimated that for each 1/2% cut in interest rates, Canadians would save $500 per year on each $100,000 borrowed. This is Canada’s lowest interest rate since the recession of 2008. The reason for this cut: you guessed it; the corona virus.

Date:  March 5, 2020

Source:  thestar.com

Link: https://www.thestar.com/business/real_estate/2020/03/05/borrowing-to-buy-a-house-mortgage-rates-to-fall-following-bank-of-canada-rate-cut.html?source=newsletter&utm_content=a01&utm_source=ts_nl&utm_medium=email&utm_email=760BE779956395955CFBBA5C497D22A3&utm_campaign=sbj_22002

Discussion points:

1) Do you plan on buying a home after graduation? Does this cut in rates impact your timeline?

2) Why would the Bank of Canada be cutting its rate during a temporary crisis like this?

3) Read the “Accounting Matters” section on page 535 of Wiley’s Financial Accounting : Tools for Business Decision-Making. What has the Bank of Canada said is one of the top risks to Canada’s financial system?