by Allen Ehlert | September 28, 2026 | Economy
What’s so special about achieving a 2% level of inflation that has central banks around the world so fixated on this level of inflation? Let’s delve deeper into the topic of inflation targeting and why central banks often aim for a 2% inflation rate,...
by Allen Ehlert | September 26, 2026 | Economy, Mortgages, Personal Finance
The stock market and the economy may appear to be closely interconnected, but are they truly? Let’s unravel the intriguing dynamics and discover the stark differences. The Analogy of the Man and the Dog New York Trader Josh Brown uses the description of a man...
by Allen Ehlert | September 20, 2026 | Economy, Mortgages, Real Estate
Economic conditions exert a profound influence on real estate prices, acting through various channels. Firstly, the overall health of the economy, indicated by factors such as GDP growth, employment rates, and consumer confidence, directly affects people’s...
by Allen Ehlert | September 11, 2026 | Economy, Mortgages, Personal Finance, Real Estate
Real Estate > Personal Finance > Mortgage In the golden light of dawn, while much of Ontario still slumbers, thousands of commuters from suburbs like Whitby and Oakville embark on their daily pilgrimage to Toronto. This journey, often romanticized as a quest for...
by Allen Ehlert | August 28, 2026 | Economy, Mortgages, Real Estate
The structure of the regulatory framework for the mortgage industry in Canada is intricate and multi-layered, involving federal, provincial, and municipal entities along with key market participants such as the Bank of Canada and the Canada Mortgage and Housing...
by Allen Ehlert | July 1, 2026 | Commercial, Economy, Mortgage Terms, Mortgages, Personal Finance, Real Estate
…. A Digital Deadbolt for Your Credit Ontario has just added a powerful new consumer-protection tool to your financial toolbox: the ability to lock or freeze your credit file. Think of it like putting a digital deadbolt on your credit report. It will not stop every...
by Allen Ehlert | May 2, 2026 | Economy, Mortgages, Personal Finance, Real Estate
Mortgage agents are boots-on-the-ground financial professionals who know what is going on in the economy in real time. I spend a big part of my day talking to clients, looking at employment letters, T4s, pay stubs, tax returns, etc. to understand my clients, qualify...
by Allen Ehlert | April 17, 2026 | Economy, Mortgages, Personal Finance
The Bond Sector Consideration Premium accounts for sector-specific risks or other unique factors affecting particular bonds. For example, bonds from emerging markets might carry additional premiums for political and economic instability. The sector/special...
by Allen Ehlert | April 3, 2026 | Economy, Mortgages, Real Estate
Did you know, it takes about $100,000 to set up each new home’s infrastructure in Canada? This big cost shows the huge challenge in building enough housing. A report from the Canadian Urban Institute highlights how crucial it is to invest heavily in municipal...
by Allen Ehlert | March 30, 2026 | Economy, Mortgages, Personal Finance
Did you know that the risk-free rate can change a lot? It can has been as low as 0.52% in recent times to as high as 15.84% back in the early 1980s. The risk-free rate concept is key in finance. It affects how we price different financial things, like bonds and...
by Allen Ehlert | March 28, 2026 | Economy, Mortgages, Personal Finance
This premium compensates investors for the risk that the bond issuer may default on its payments. Higher-risk issuers, such as corporations or lower-rated governments, must offer higher credit premiums. The credit (default) premium is determined by assessing the...
by Allen Ehlert | March 27, 2026 | Economy, Mortgages, Personal Finance
This premium compensates investors for the increased risk associated with longer-term bonds. The maturity premium accounts for the greater uncertainty and potential price volatility over a longer period. The maturity (term) premium is determined by assessing the...
by Allen Ehlert | March 18, 2026 | Economy, Mortgages, Personal Finance
The bond inflation premium compensates investors for the expected loss of purchasing power due to inflation over the bond’s term. If inflation is expected to be higher, the inflation premium will be higher to ensure investors earn a real return. The inflation...
by Allen Ehlert | March 14, 2026 | Economy, Mortgages
The Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio is a crucial metric used to assess the financial strength and stability of a bank, particularly its ability to withstand financial stress and economic downturns. It measures a bank’s core equity capital compared with its...
by Allen Ehlert | March 10, 2026 | Economy, Mortgages, Personal Finance, Real Estate
Did you know real estate makes over 75% of Canadian’s wealth? This shows how important Canadian real estate is for growing wealth. As the value of homes goes up, people’s wealth grows too. Real estate not only helps individuals but also boosts the wealth...
