What are the effects of an increase in interest rates?
Around the world, an increase in interest rates is expected in 2023, due to the long-term consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic and international inflation. Thus, everything from businesses to average users will be affected this year by the implications of increase in interest rates.
With the above in mind, and so that you can prepare yourself, this article will explain how this phenomenon happens in Canada’s interest rate and its effects on different areas of the national economy.
How does the increase in interest rates work in Canada?
In order to understand the effects of interest rate increases in Canada, it is necessary to understand how interest rates work in the country. In this way, these increases are established by the Bank of Canada, thus, this entity determines on a daily basis the interest rate under which official banks must negotiate loans with each other.
Therefore, when the Bank of Canada increases the interest rate, it means that it wants to control inflation by reducing individual consumption. Higher interest rates cause, in principle, borrowing costs to rise and lenders to make a higher profit on borrowing.
The interest rate hike in 2022 reached 4.25% in December, according to official reports, which implied an increase of 0.50%. Thus, due to the consequences of the pandemic worldwide, the interest rate increase in 2022 is only expected to be surpassed or at least sustained in 2023, according to BMO’s predictions.
1. Effects of the increase in interest rates on the housing market
Perhaps the most notorious effect when it comes to interest rates is their influence on the real estate market. Thus, when interest rates rise, it is more expensive to borrow money for a mortgage loan, making it much more difficult for prospective buyers to meet the requirements. This is because most lenders take into account the creditworthiness of the individual and much of this will go to cover interest. As a result, there are fewer home sales and home prices may be reduced.
On the other hand, some homeowners may find it difficult to finance their existing mortgages due to increase in interest rates, which may complicate the management of their debts and they may even have to resort to a personal loan, usually with private entities.
2. Effects on consumer spending
As we have already explained, one of the objectives and therefore consequences of the increase in interest rates is the decrease in consumer spending. This is because the interest on loans increases while the amount of money available is reduced. Therefore, it is very likely that individuals will decrease their unnecessary expenses and try to save as much as possible to cover their debts and other essentials.
Thus, credit cards are more expensive and, with fewer purchases, the economy slows down. This is one of the main reasons for the increase in interest rates as it seeks to reduce inflation.
3. Effects on companies
Like individuals, obtaining a loan, especially for small businesses, can be difficult if they do not have the budget to cover an increase in interest rates. As a result, some companies may decide to downsize their operations.
In addition, increase in interest rates in Canada can also have an impact on the cost of a company’s shares, as investors become more risk-averse and therefore less willing to invest in shares. In addition, it can lead to an increase in the cost of production and raise costs for customers.
What to do about the increase in interest rates?
As has become clear, increase in interest rates can have a big influence on your personal finances. This is because it affects not only your ability to borrow but also your ability to repay pre-existing debts. It also impacts the prices of goods and services; therefore, it is important to understand and have a plan of action in order to maintain your financial stability and security.
First, we recommend using an interest rate calculator. This will allow you to determine how much you have to pay in interest over the life of a specific loan. Also, if you are thinking of getting a new loan, you can establish if it is worth it by using an interest rate calculator or if, on the contrary, it is better to find another way of financing. It is easy to find one on the Internet, you just have to verify that it takes into account the Bank of Canada mandates.
Second, you should review your budget, including all your income, daily expenses and debts with lenders. This way, you can identify areas where you can reduce expenses to offset the additional costs of higher interest rates. For example, if you have a mortgage, you might consider cutting back on eating out at restaurants. If you have the possibility, it is a very good idea to increase the amount of money you contribute to your debts each month in order to reduce interest and pay them off faster.
On the other hand, if you need a loan for immediate expenses, our recommendation is to go to a private lender for a personal loan. This is because the personal loan interest rate is usually more flexible, as well as the repayment terms. In addition, they are easy to access and you will rarely be turned down for one so they do not usually take your credit score into account. In this case, we recommend Mon Petit Prêt who have a competitive personal loan interest rate and ease of repayment. You can apply to Mon Petit Prêt here.
Another excellent tip is to keep up with Canadian economic news and official releases from the Bank of Canada to gain a better understanding of how the current situation affects your investments and financial decisions. As you have seen, the increase in interest rates affect the stock market, lending and even the value of the currency. However, if you play your cards right, you can make smart decisions to maintain your finances.
Therefore, in general, when interest rates rise, it is important to take steps to adjust as best as possible. Revising the budget, increasing payments, refinancing loans and shopping for the best interest rate are all solutions that can help mitigate the impact of higher interest rates. By taking proactive steps, one can ensure that their finances are not significantly affected.
If you need more personal finance tips, we recommend you visit our blog, where you will find useful articles to help you cope with increase in interest rates, such as tips on how to consolidate your debts and pay them off faster.