The BoC Has Hit Neutral, Why the Next Phase for Housing and the Economy Starts Now!
Sun Feb 01 2026
The Bank of Canada held its policy rate at 2.25 percent on January 28, 2026, confirming that interest rates have reached the lower end of what the Bank considers neutral. Inflation is close to target and core inflation is easing, yet the Canadian economy remains under pressure from trade uncertainty, weakening employment intentions, and a historic slowdown in new housing construction.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
• What the Bank of Canada’s “neutral rate” really means and why this hold signals a shift from rate policy to economic patience
• Why the Bank may be near the limit of what monetary policy can do, and what tools are no longer available
• How rising bond yields and market-driven rates are tightening conditions even without further rate hikes
• The real economic risks tied to US tariffs, the upcoming CUSMA review, and Canada’s limited ability to replace US trade
• What weakening employment data and slowing population growth mean for economic momentum in 2026
• Why the condo market correction is structural, not cyclical, and what record-low sales and project cancellations are telling us
• How household debt trends reflect an economy treading water rather than accelerating
• Where realistic opportunities may emerge for buyers, sellers, and investors over the next 12 to 36 months
If you’re trying to make sense of interest rates, housing, and the broader Canadian economy without the noise or fear-based headlines, this episode will help you see the next phase more clearly.
Nico
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The Bank of Canada held its policy rate at 2.25 percent on January 28, 2026, confirming that interest rates have reached the lower end of what the Bank considers neutral. Inflation is close to target and core inflation is easing, yet the Canadian economy remains under pressure from trade uncertainty, weakening employment intentions, and a historic slowdown in new housing construction. In this episode, you’ll learn: • What the Bank of Canada’s “neutral rate” really means and why this hold signals a shift from rate policy to economic patience • Why the Bank may be near the limit of what monetary policy can do, and what tools are no longer available • How rising bond yields and market-driven rates are tightening conditions even without further rate hikes • The real economic risks tied to US tariffs, the upcoming CUSMA review, and Canada’s limited ability to replace US trade • What weakening employment data and slowing population growth mean for economic momentum in 2026 • Why the condo market correction is structural, not cyclical, and what record-low sales and project cancellations are telling us • How household debt trends reflect an economy treading water rather than accelerating • Where realistic opportunities may emerge for buyers, sellers, and investors over the next 12 to 36 months If you’re trying to make sense of interest rates, housing, and the broader Canadian economy without the noise or fear-based headlines, this episode will help you see the next phase more clearly. Nico Let's Stay Connected - Nico's LinkTree Support the show Helping YOU Build Wealth Through #RealEstate #BrickByBrick Your support means the world. If you’ve found value in these conversations, the best way to keep them going is by subscribing. Support the show 🙏 Click the link to see support options. Book a time for a quick 15min Chat - Discovery: https://calendly.com/thecondowiz/15min Social: https://linktr.ee/nicojamesbock