RBC recently reported that housing affordability in Canada is the best it has been in three years—an improvement, but still a long way from where it needs to be. … READ MORE >
Real estate
Multifamily starts dive 30%: Short pause or longer opportunity?
The U.S. multifamily construction sector witnessed a staggering 30% decline in starts in May, falling to 316,000 units, the lowest start rate for buildings over five units since November 2024. However, while the 30% decline grabs headlines, it may not fully reflect the market’s underlying health. … READ MORE >
Canadian housing data shows growing imbalances amid economic tension
Canada’s housing starts appear steady at first glance—but below that surface-level stability, there are growing imbalances at the provincial level. … READ MORE >
Canadian household net worth rises despite economic uncertainty
Canadian household net worth rose for a sixth quarter in a row—but this trend could reverse next quarter as the effects of trade tensions persist and spread. … READ MORE >
Canada’s economy grows 0.5% in 1st quarter due to exports, but challenges loom
Canada’s economy grew in the first quarter largely due to pre-tariff efforts, but ongoing uncertainty means the economy is expected to contract next quarter. … READ MORE >
Inflation falls in Canada as end of consumer carbon tax offsets other increases
Canada’s consumer price index (CPI) fell to 1.7% in April thanks to the removal of the consumer carbon price and lower crude oil prices. For now, price increases associated with U.S. tariffs seem to have been kept at bay. The end of the consumer carbon tax should continue to apply … … READ MORE >
Housing starts plunge amid severe weather and elevated mortgage rates
The one-time seasonal factors that contributed to the decline should subside. Permits for new buildings and homes held up in January, rising by 0.1%. … READ MORE >
Market minute: U.S. housing supply is not meeting demand
One reason for the inadequate supply is that many homeowners are sitting on low-rate mortgages locked in during the pandemic and before. … READ MORE >
Morning market minute: FHA loan demand shows rising stress among homebuyers
While conventional home loans still make up approximately 60% of all loans, purchasing a home at this point is financially out of reach for a growing percentage of the population. … READ MORE >
Housing starts fall below estimates as permits rebound
The recent levels of starts and permits do not suggest enough future supply to meet the growing demand of American households to keep home prices under control. … READ MORE >