*Article courtesy of Bank Of Canada - https://www.bankofcanada.ca/2026/01/fad-press-release-2026-01-28/

The Bank of Canada today held its target for the overnight rate at 2.25%, with the Bank Rate at 2.5% and the deposit rate at 2.20%.

The outlook for the global and Canadian economies is little changed relative to the projection in the October Monetary Policy Report (MPR). However, the outlook is vulnerable to unpredictable US trade policies and geopolitical risks.

Economic growth in the United States continues to outpace expectations and is projected to remain solid, driven by AI-related investment and consumer spending. Tariffs are pushing up US inflation, although their effect is expected to fade gradually later this year. In the euro area, growth has been supported by activity in service sectors and will get additional support from fiscal policy. China’s GDP growth is expected to slow gradually, as weakening domestic demand offsets strength in exports. Overall, the Bank expects global growth to average about 3% over the projection horizon.

Global financial conditions have remained accommodative overall. Recent weakness in the US dollar has pushed the Canadian dollar above 72 cents, roughly where it had been since the October MPR. Oil prices have been fluctuating in response to geopolitical events and, going forward, are assumed to be slightly below the levels in the October report.

US trade restrictions and uncertainty continue to disrupt growth in Canada. After a strong third quarter, GDP growth in the fourth quarter likely stalled. Exports continue to be buffeted by US tariffs, while domestic demand appears to be picking up. Employment has risen in recent months. Still, the unemployment rate remains elevated at 6.8% and relatively few businesses say they plan to hire more workers.  

Economic growth is projected to be modest in the near term as population growth slows and Canada adjusts to US protectionism. In the projection, consumer spending holds up and business investment strengthens gradually, with fiscal policy providing some support. The Bank projects growth of 1.1% in 2026 and 1.5% in 2027, broadly in line with the October projection. A key source of uncertainty is the upcoming review of the Canada-US-Mexico Agreement.

CPI inflation picked up in December to 2.4%, boosted by base-year effects linked to last winter’s GST/HST holiday. Excluding the effect of changes in taxes, inflation has been slowing since September. The Bank’s preferred measures of core inflation have eased from 3% in October to around 2½% in December. Inflation was 2.1% in 2025 and the Bank expects inflation to stay close to the 2% target over the projection period, with trade-related cost pressures offset by excess supply.

Monetary policy is focused on keeping inflation close to the 2% target while helping the economy through this period of structural adjustment. Governing Council judges the current policy rate remains appropriate, conditional on the economy evolving broadly in line with the outlook we published today. However, uncertainty is heightened and we are monitoring risks closely. If the outlook changes, we are prepared to respond. The Bank is committed to ensuring that Canadians continue to have confidence in price stability through this period of global upheaval.

 Information note

The next scheduled date for announcing the overnight rate target is March 18, 2026. The Bank’s next MPR will be released on April 29, 2026.

The Calgary Real Estate Board (CREB®) is excited to announce the release of its 2026 Forecast Calgary and Region Yearly Outlook Report. This comprehensive report, prepared by CREB® Chief Economist Ann-Marie Lurie, provides an in-depth analysis of Calgary's economic and housing market trends for the upcoming year. 

The 2026 report highlights how rising starts over the past several years are translating into supply growth at a time when demand is shifting due to slowing migration and shifting economic conditions.   

“In 2025, the market transitioned from one that favoured the seller to more balanced conditions, as improving supply in the new home, rental and resale markets occurred just as demand returned to more typical levels. This took much of the pressure off home prices last year, especially in the apartment and row segments,” said Ann-Marie Lurie, Chief Economist at CREB®.  

Lower migration levels, stable employment and interest rates are expected to prevent any substantial change in demand in 2026. However, supply pressures are expected to continue as 26,000 units that are currently under construction are completed over the new few years. 

“Much of the supply growth will be apartment-style rental and ownership units, and while starts are expected to ease this year, it will take time to absorb the supply, considering the weaker migration levels. Ultimately, this will continue to place downward pressure on prices for apartment- and row-style homes. Meanwhile, conditions are more balanced for detached and semi-detached homes, supporting relative price stability for those homes,” Lurie added. 

The report also notes there are several factors that could impact the housing market over the next few years. The recently signed memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the federal and provincial government provides upside risk to the forecast, as shifts in federal regulatory barriers affecting the energy sector may encourage both confidence and investment in Calgary.

On the downside, the renegotiation of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) this year could create additional uncertainty. Combined with lower energy prices, this could potentially slow positive momentum in business investment activity. 

Click here to read the full CREB® 2026 Forecast Calgary and Region Yearly Outlook Report. 

If you’re looking for a clear picture of what’s happening in the local housing market, this update breaks down the latest stats for Calgary, Airdrie, and Rocky View County.

From pricing by property type to sales activity, inventory levels, and year-to-date trends, this overview is meant to help you stay informed and plan with confidence.

Skipping a home inspection might seem tempting as it might save you money upfront, but it could cost you much more in the long run. A professional inspection can uncover major issues, such as structural, electrical, or plumbing problems, or health hazards like mould or asbestos, which might not be visible during a walk-through. With this information, you can make an informed decision about whether to walk away or budget for immediate and future repairs. An inspection report also gives you leverage in negotiations. You might negotiate a lower price — especially if the seller wasn’t aware of the issue — or request that repairs be completed before closing.

Inspections are especially valuable for older homes or when there are red flags, like musty odours, visible water damage, or uneven floors. In some cases, an inspection may even be required by your insurance provider before issuing a policy. If possible, attend the inspection so you can ask questions and better understand the home’s systems and maintenance needs.

So, when might you not need an inspection? New builds are typically covered by warranties. Also, condos and condo townhouses generally have status or estoppel certificates, which you need to request before buying, that will inform you about any major repairs or renovations that might be coming up, and if the condo corporation has the finances available for it. While a good status certificate can reduce the need for a full inspection, it can also be a negotiation tool if it reveals financial or structural concerns. Exceptions to not needing an inspection would be where the HVAC system is owned by the unit owner and is not under warranty, older or converted buildings, freehold townhomes, or if you just want extra peace of mind.

In cases where the seller has provided a pre-sale inspection, be wary; don’t assume that it’s comprehensive or unbiased. It’s typically done for the seller’s benefit and may not have been done by a reputable inspector, so it’s still a good idea to get your own professional inspection done.