SASKATOON — Canadian farmers could be getting a reprieve on their balance sheets later this year, according to a forecast by Export Development Canada. EDC expects the Bank of Canada to start lowering interest rates soon, dropping its key policy rate by 25 basis points in April. EDC chief economist Stuart Bergman expects the central […] Read more
Tag Archives interest rates
VIDEO: Debt decisions need strategy
WINNIPEG — With interest rates swinging around like apes in the jungle, farmers might feel a lot of pressure to react to their debt and financing situations. But debt and financing decisions today will have a long-term impact, so farmers should be tying decisions to the strategic vision for their operations, Backswath Management consultant Gavin […] Read more
Interest rate relief expected
Canada’s largest agricultural lender says Canadian farmers can expect to see interest rate relief in the coming year. In a macroeconomic snapshot released in December, Farm Credit Canada said it expects to see rate cuts totalling 75 basis points (three quarters of a percent) in the latter half of 2024. That’s despite strong economic performance […] Read more
Inflation fight nears end but interest rate cuts unlikely
The evidence is mounting that the fight against inflation is being won without pushing major economies into recession. The hoped for “soft landing” appears to be within grasp. Prices are still going up, but the rate of increase has fallen dramatically. It might take a while to reach central banks’ desired goal of two percent, […] Read more
Inflation and interest rates can be uncomfortably sticky
Farmers are facing the dreadful truths of inflation and interest rates: both can be very “sticky.” Prices for many essential farming inputs have soared in recent years. Whether it’s for the cost of buying a new combine, paying the wages for a new hire or paying for the services of a lawyer or accountant, few […] Read more
Fed leaves consumers guessing
Anybody thinking about borrowing money or dealing with debt payments didn’t get any clarity on interest rates from the head of the U.S. Federal Reserve Bank at its annual Jackson Hole conference. “As is often the case, we are navigating by the stars under cloudy skies,” said Fed chair Jerome Powell Aug. 25. “In such […] Read more
U.S. Federal Reserve leaves lenders, consumers guessing
Anybody thinking about borrowing money or dealing with debt payments didn’t get any clarity on interest rates from the head of the United States Federal Reserve Bank at its annual Jackson Hole conference. “As is often the case, we are navigating by the stars under cloudy skies,” said Fed chair Jerome Powell Aug. 25. “In […] Read more
Worry about recession weighs down commodity markets
It seems markets have got into a funk worrying about the potential for a recession and are betting that demand for commodities, including crops, will be restrained. Crop markets have also replaced the panic caused by Russia invading Ukraine with a more calm assessment. Prices for most major crops have returned to levels similar to […] Read more
Personal finances growing unstable
Recent report says 45 percent of adults in Man. and Sask. are $200 away from being unable to meet financial obligations
The inability of consumers to cover regular bills, buy groceries and service existing debt obligations has become more common in an environment of higher interest rates and inflationary pressure.
