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Bank of Canada increases overnight rate target to 1 1/4 per cent

The Bank of Canada today increased its target for the overnight rate to 1 1/4 per cent. The Bank Rate is correspondingly 1 1/2 per cent and the deposit rate is 1 per cent. Recent data have been strong, inflation is close to target, and the economy is operating roughly at capacity. However, uncertainty surrounding the future of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) is clouding the economic outlook.

The global economy continues to strengthen, with growth expected to average 3 1/2 per cent over the projection horizon. Growth in advanced economies is projected to be stronger than in the Bank’s October Monetary Policy Report(MPR). In particular, there are signs of increasing momentum in the US economy, which will be boosted further by recent tax changes. Global commodity prices are higher, although the benefits to Canada are being diluted by wider spreads between benchmark world and Canadian oil prices.

In Canada, real GDP growth is expected to slow to 2.2 per cent in 2018 and 1.6 per cent in 2019, following an estimated 3.0 per cent in 2017. Growth is expected to remain above potential through the first quarter of 2018 and then slow to a rate close to potential for the rest of the projection horizon.

Consumption and residential investment have been stronger than anticipated, reflecting strong employment growth. Business investment has been increasing at a solid pace, and investment intentions remain positive. Exports have been weaker than expected although, apart from cross-border shifts in automotive production, there have been positive signs in most other categories.

Looking forward, consumption and residential investment are expected to contribute less to growth, given higher interest rates and new mortgage guidelines, while business investment and exports are expected to contribute more. The Bank’s outlook takes into account a small benefit to Canada’s economy from stronger US demand arising from recent tax changes. However, as uncertainty about the future of NAFTA is weighing increasingly on the outlook, the Bank has incorporated into its projection additional negative judgement on business investment and trade.

The Bank continues to monitor the extent to which strong demand is boosting potential, creating room for more non-inflationary expansion. In this respect, capital investment, firm creation, labour force participation, and hours worked are all showing promising signs. Recent data show that labour market slack is being absorbed more quickly than anticipated. Wages have picked up but are rising by less than would be typical in the absence of labour market slack.

In this context, inflation is close to 2 per cent and core measures of inflation have edged up, consistent with diminishing slack in the economy. The Bank expects CPI inflation to fluctuate in the months ahead as various temporary factors (including gasoline and electricity prices) unwind. Looking through these temporary factors, inflation is expected to remain close to 2 per cent over the projection horizon.

While the economic outlook is expected to warrant higher interest rates over time, some continued monetary policy accommodation will likely be needed to keep the economy operating close to potential and inflation on target. Governing Council will remain cautious in considering future policy adjustments, guided by incoming data in assessing the economy’s sensitivity to interest rates, the evolution of economic capacity, and the dynamics of both wage growth and inflation.

Provided by the Bank of Canada. For full details click here: https://www.bankofcanada.ca/2018/01/fad-press-release-2018-01-17/

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Bank of Canada maintains overnight rate target at 1 per cent

The Bank of Canada today maintained its target for the overnight rate at 1 per cent. The Bank Rate is correspondingly 1 1/4 per cent and the deposit rate is 3/4 per cent.

The global economy is evolving largely as expected in the Bank’s October Monetary Policy Report (MPR). In the United States, growth in the third quarter was stronger than forecast but is still expected to moderate in the months ahead. Growth has firmed in other advanced economies. Meanwhile, oil prices have moved higher and financial conditions have eased. The global outlook remains subject to considerable uncertainty, notably about geopolitical developments and trade policies.

Recent Canadian data are in line with October’s outlook, which was for growth to moderate while remaining above potential in the second half of 2017. Employment growth has been very strong and wages have shown some improvement, supporting robust consumer spending in the third quarter. Business investment continued to contribute to growth after a strong first half, and public infrastructure spending is becoming more evident in the data. Following exceptionally strong growth earlier in 2017, exports declined by more than was expected in the third quarter. However,  the latest trade data support the MPR projection that export growth will resume as foreign demand strengthens. Housing has continued to moderate, as expected.

Inflation has been slightly higher than anticipated and will continue to be boosted in the short term by temporary factors, particularly gasoline prices. Measures of core inflation have edged up in recent months, reflecting the continued absorption of economic slack. Revisions to past quarterly national accounts have resulted in a higher level of GDP. However, this is unlikely to have significant implications for the output gap because the revisions also imply a higher level of potential output. Meanwhile, despite rising employment and participation rates, other indicators point to ongoing­ – albeit diminishing – slack in the labour market.

Based on the outlook for inflation and the evolution of the risks and uncertainties identified in October’s MPR, Governing Council judges that the current stance of monetary policy remains appropriate. While higher interest rates will likely be required over time, Governing Council will continue to be cautious, guided by incoming data in assessing the economy’s sensitivity to interest rates, the evolution of economic capacity, and the dynamics of both wage growth and inflation.

Provided by: Bank of Canada for further details click here: https://www.bankofcanada.ca/2017/12/fad-press-release-2017-12-06/

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Attached sales continue to drive Fraser Valley market in November

SURREY, BC – Demand for Fraser Valley properties persisted through November, once again bolstered by strong attached sales across the region.

The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board processed 1,743 sales of all property types on its Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in November, an increase of 39.8 per cent compared to the 1,247 sales in November of last year, and a 3.1 per cent decrease compared to the 1,799 sales in October 2017. This will mark the second highest sales total for a November in the Board’s history.

Attached sales represented 53% of all market activity for the month, with apartment sales totaling 496 and townhomes at 426.

“Our attached market feels like our detached market used to,” Gopal Sahota, Fraser Valley Real Estate Board President remarked. “With our townhome and apartment inventory here, you have the same wide spectrum for pricing and supply that’s helping buyers of all types find success in the Valley.”

Last month the total active inventory for the Fraser Valley was 5,129 listings. Active inventory decreased by 6.5 per cent month-over-month, and decreased 8.4 per cent when compared to November 2016.

The Board received 2,324 new listings in November, a 6.3 per cent decrease from October 2017, and a 29.7 per cent increase compared to November 2016’s 1,792 new listings.

"As you can imagine, attached listings are moving fast and often facing multiple offer situations,” continued Sahota. “Talk to a REALTOR® if you’re ready to buy, and they can help give you the best chance at the homes you want.”

For the Fraser Valley region the average number of days to sell an apartment in November was 17, and 21 for townhomes. Single family detached homes remained on the market for an average of 31 days before selling.

HPI® Benchmark Price Activity 

• Single Family Detached: At $972,700, the Benchmark price for a single family detached home in the Valley increased 0.1 per cent compared to October 2017, and increased 13.2 per cent compared to November 2016.

• Townhomes: At $505,700, the Benchmark price for a townhome in the Fraser Valley increased 0.6 per cent compared to October 2017, and increased 19 per cent compared to November 2016.

• Apartments: At $376,700, the Benchmark price for apartments/condos in the Fraser Valley increased 2 per cent compared to October 2017, and increased 36.6 per cent compared to November 2016.

Stats provided by the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board. 

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October fails to scare away home buyers in the Fraser Valley

SURREY, BC – Ongoing demand for properties in the Fraser Valley saw overall sales reach the second highest point for an October in the Board’s history.

The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board processed 1,799 sales of all property types on its Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in October, an increase of 23 per cent compared to the 1,463 sales in October of last year, and an 11.1 per cent increase compared to the 1,619 sales in September 2017.

Attached sales represented 56% of all market activity for the month, with apartment sales totaling 591 and townhomes at 418.

“The divide between our attached and detached markets continues to widen,” Gopal Sahota, Fraser Valley Real Estate Board president said. “Apartment activity was notably strong in October with a sales-to-actives ratio of 105 per cent, meaning that apartments are selling as fast as we can list them.”

Last month the total active inventory for the Fraser Valley was 5,483 listings. Active inventory decreased by 6.3 per cent month-over-month, and decreased 9.1 per cent when compared to October 2016.

The Board received 2,479 new listings in October, a 13 per cent decrease from September 2017, and a 12.8 per cent increase compared to October 2016’s 2,197 new listings.

"Your real estate experience in the Valley is going to be very different depending on what you’re looking for or selling,” continued Sahota. “Regardless, with the help of a professional REALTOR® you can understand exactly what’s happening in your market and find success.”

For the Fraser Valley region the average number of days to sell an apartment in October was 18 days, and 19 days for townhomes. Single family detached homes remained on market for an average of 31 days before selling.

HPI® Benchmark Price Activity

• Single Family Detached: At $971,900, the Benchmark price for a single family detached home in the Valley decreased 0.3 per cent compared to September 2017, and increased 11.8 per cent compared to October 2016.

• Townhomes: At $502,800 the Benchmark price for a townhome in the Fraser Valley increased 0.8 per cent compared to September 2017, and increased 18.4 per cent compared to October 2016.

• Apartments: At $369,400, the Benchmark price for apartments/condos in the Fraser Valley increased 3.1 per cent compared to September 2017, and increased 36.4 per cent compared to October 2016.

Stats provided by the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board for a full package click here:
http://www.fvreb.bc.ca/statistics/Package201710.pdf

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Bank of Canada maintains overnight rate target at 1 per cent

The Bank of Canada today maintained its target for the overnight rate at 1 per cent. The Bank Rate is correspondingly 1 1/4 per cent and the deposit rate is 3/4 per cent.

Inflation has picked up in recent months, as anticipated in the Bank’s July Monetary Policy Report (MPR), reflecting stronger economic activity and higher gasoline prices. Measures of core inflation have edged up, in line with a narrowing output gap and the diminishing effects of lower food prices. The Bank projects inflation will rise to 2 per cent in the second half of 2018. This is a little later than anticipated in July because of the recent strength in the Canadian dollar. The Bank is also mindful that global structural factors could be weighing on inflation in Canada and other advanced economies.

The global and Canadian economies are progressing as outlined in the July MPR. Economic activity continues to strengthen and broaden across countries. The Bank still expects global growth to average around 3 1/2 per cent over 2017-19. However, this outlook remains subject to substantial uncertainty about geopolitical developments and fiscal and trade policies, notably the renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement.

Canada’s economic growth in the second quarter was stronger than expected, and was more broad-based across regions and sectors. Growth is expected to moderate to a more sustainable pace in the second half of 2017 and remain close to potential over the next two years, with real GDP expanding at 3.1 per cent in 2017, 2.1 per cent in 2018 and 1.5 per cent in 2019. Exports and business investment are both expected to continue to make a solid contribution to GDP growth. However, projected export growth is slightly slower than before, in part because of a stronger Canadian dollar than assumed in July. Housing and consumption are forecast to slow in light of policy changes affecting housing markets and higher interest rates. Because of high debt levels, household spending is likely more sensitive to interest rates than in the past.

The Bank estimates that the economy is operating close to its potential. However, wage and other data indicate that there is still slack in the labour market. This suggests that there could be room for more economic growth than the Bank is projecting without inflation rising materially above target.

Based on this outlook and the risks and uncertainties identified in today’s MPR, Governing Council judges that the current stance of monetary policy is appropriate. While less monetary policy stimulus will likely be required over time, Governing Council will be cautious in making future adjustments to the policy rate. In particular, the Bank will be guided by incoming data to assess the sensitivity of the economy to interest rates, the evolution of economic capacity, and the dynamics of both wage growth and inflation.

Provided by the Bank of Canada. For more info click here: https://www.bankofcanada.ca/2017/10/fad-press-release-2017-10-25/

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Demand for Fraser Valley homes remains unchanged despite change of season

SURREY, BC – Residential property sales in the Fraser Valley remained strong in September, with both attached and detached homes performing well throughout the region.

The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board processed 1,619 sales of all property types on its Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in September, an increase of 24.1 per cent compared to the 1,305 sales in September of last year, and a 13.8 per cent decrease compared to the 1,879 sales in August 2017. This was the fifth highest sales total for a September in the Board’s history.

Of the total sales processed 392 were townhouses and 470 were apartments, together representing 53% of market activity in September.

“Often we see summer demand continue as far as October, so it’s not unusual to have another strong month before the seasonal cool down," said Board President Gopal Sahota. “What’s unusual this year is that attached inventory sales are still driving the market despite the increased competition we’re seeing there.”

Last month the total active inventory for the Fraser Valley was 5,854 listings. Active inventory increased by 2.5 per cent month-over-month, and decreased 8.8 per cent when compared to September 2016.

The Board received 2,848 new listings in September, an 8.2 per cent decrease from August 2017, and a 5.1 per cent increase compared to September 2016’s 2,709 new listings.

"It’s also interesting to observe the return to a balanced market for detached homes here in the Valley,” continued Sahota. “While pricing remains stable, competition for houses has simmered and listings are staying on market longer. If you were waiting to make a move or upgrade, now might be a good time to talk to your REALTOR® and see what’s out there.”

For the Fraser Valley region the average number of days to sell an apartment in September was 19 days, and 18 days for townhomes. Single family detached homes remained on market for an average of 29 days before selling.

HPI® Benchmark Price Activity

• Single Family Detached: At $974,500, the Benchmark price for a single family detached home in the Valley decreased 0.2 per cent compared to August 2017, and increased 11.2 per cent compared to September 2016.

• Townhomes: At $498,900 the Benchmark price for a townhome in the Fraser Valley increased 1.4 per cent compared to August 2017, and increased 17.7 per cent compared to September 2016.

• Apartments: At $358,200, the Benchmark price for apartments/condos in the Fraser Valley increased 2.5 per cent compared to August 2017, and increased 35.2 per cent compared to September 2016.

Provided by the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board. Full package can be found here:
http://www.fvreb.bc.ca/statistics/Package201709.pdf

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SURREY, BC – Persistent and growing demand for townhomes and apartments in the Fraser Valley led to the second strongest August historically in terms of sales.

The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board processed 1,879 sales of all property types on its Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in August, an increase of 10.9 per cent compared to the 1,694 sales in August of last year, and a 3 per cent decrease compared to the 1,937 sales in July 2017.

Of the total sales processed 470 were townhouses and 548 were apartments, together representing 54% of market activity in August.

"It's not surprising to see demand like this still so late into the summer; the Fraser Valley has never been a better place to live than it is now," said Board President Gopal Sahota. "Our communities are thriving, and there are still affordable options throughout our region. Also, it doesn’t hurt that removing the bridge tolls gives us even greater access to the Lower Mainland."

Last month the total active inventory for the Fraser Valley was 5,712 listings. Active inventory decreased by 4.3 per cent month-over-month, and decreased 6.4 per cent when compared to August 2016.

The Board received 2,633 new listings in August, a 20.2 per cent decrease from July 2017, and a 7.3 per cent decrease compared to August 2016’s 2,840 new listings.

"Anyone whose looking for a townhome or apartment will have to move quickly – units are selling faster than they ever have here,” continued Sahota. “Talk to your REALTOR® for the best advice on how to prepare yourself and succeed in a competitive market like this one.”

For the Fraser Valley region the average number of days to sell an apartment in August was 17 days, notable when compared to 26 at this time last year. Townhomes sold in an average of 16 days, and single family detached took 25.

HPI® Benchmark Price Activity

• Single Family Detached: At $976,000, the Benchmark price for a single family detached home in the Valley increased 1 per cent compared to July 2017, and increased 10.2 per cent compared to August 2016.

• Townhomes: At $491,900 the Benchmark price for a townhome in the Fraser Valley increased 1.2 per cent compared to July 2017, and increased 16.6 per cent compared to August 2016.

• Apartments: At $349,300, the Benchmark price for apartments/condos in the Fraser Valley increased 2.4 per cent compared to July 2017, and increased 32.8 per cent compared to August 2016.

Full package:
http://www.fvreb.bc.ca/statistics/Package201708.pdf

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Fraser Valley home sales still strong despite summer slowdown

SURREY, BC – Sales activity remained strong in July, despite month-over-month decreases for each of the three major residential property types. This was the sixth strongest July historically for the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board.

The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board processed 1,937 sales of all property types on its Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in July, a decrease of 1.3 per cent compared to the 1,962 sales in July of last year, and a 24.7 per cent decrease compared to the 2,571 sales in June 2017.

Of the 1,937 sales processed last month, 447 were townhouses and 544 were apartments. This is the twelfth consecutive month attached sales have outpaced detached sales in the region.

“Even though activity has eased off for the summer we’re continuing to see the same trends we’ve seen all year. Namely, strong demand for attached-style homes and slight but steady increases in pricing," said Gopal Sahota, Board President.

Last month the total active inventory for the Fraser Valley was 5,970 listings. Active inventory decreased by 0.7 per cent year-over-year, and increased 8.8 per cent when compared to June 2017.

The Board received 3,301 new listings in July, a 2.3 per cent increase from July 2016, and a 11 per cent decrease compared to June 2017’s 3,707 new listings.

"Thankfully we’re continuing to see greater amounts of inventory come on to the market, with homes that are priced effectively still selling fast and encountering multiple offer situations,” continued Sahota.

“If you’re looking to buy, you’ll be in the best position to do so if you know what you want and can make a decision quickly. Talk to a REALTOR® to help you get where you need to be.”

For the Fraser Valley region, the average number of days to sell a single family detached home in July 2017 was 24 days, compared to 18 days in July 2016.

HPI® Benchmark Price Activity

• Single Family Detached: At $966,000, the Benchmark price for a single family detached home in the Valley increased 3.4 per cent compared to June 2017, and increased 10.0 per cent compared to July 2016.

• Townhomes: At $485,900 the Benchmark price for a townhome in the Fraser Valley increased 4.0 per cent compared to June 2017, and increased 18.1 per cent compared to July 2016.

• Apartments: At $341,100, the Benchmark price for apartments/condos in the Fraser Valley increased 4.9 per cent compared to June 2017, and increased 33.3 per cent compared to July 2016.

Stats provided by the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board - full stats package can be found here:
http://www.fvreb.bc.ca/statistics/Package201707.pdf

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Bank of Canada increases overnight rate target to 3/4 per cent

The Bank of Canada is raising its target for the overnight rate to 3/4 per cent. The Bank Rate is correspondingly 1 per cent and the deposit rate is 1/2 per cent. Recent data have bolstered the Bank’s confidence in its outlook for above-potential growth and the absorption of excess capacity in the economy. The Bank acknowledges recent softness in inflation but judges this to be temporary. Recognizing the lag between monetary policy actions and future inflation, Governing Council considers it appropriate to raise its overnight rate target at this time.

The global economy continues to strengthen and growth is broadening across countries and regions. The US economy was tepid in the first quarter of 2017 but is now growing at a solid pace, underpinned by a robust labour market and stronger investment. Above-potential growth is becoming more widespread in the euro area. However, elevated geopolitical uncertainty still clouds the global outlook, particularly for trade and investment. Meanwhile, world oil prices have softened as markets work toward a new supply/demand balance.

Canada’s economy has been robust, fuelled by household spending. As a result, a significant amount of economic slack has been absorbed. The very strong growth of the first quarter is expected to moderate over the balance of the year, but remain above potential. Growth is broadening across industries and regions and therefore becoming more sustainable. As the adjustment to lower oil prices is largely complete, both the goods and services sectors are expanding. Household spending will likely remain solid in the months ahead, supported by rising employment and wages, but its pace is expected to slow over the projection horizon.  At the same time, exports should make an increasing contribution to GDP growth. Business investment should also add to growth, a view supported by the most recent Business Outlook Survey. 

The Bank estimates real GDP growth will moderate further over the projection horizon, from 2.8 per cent in 2017 to 2.0 per cent in 2018 and 1.6 per cent in 2019. The output gap is now projected to close around the end of 2017, earlier than the Bank anticipated in its April Monetary Policy Report (MPR).

CPI inflation has eased in recent months and the Bank’s three measures of core inflation all remain below 2 per cent. The factors behind soft inflation appear to be mostly temporary, including heightened food price competition, electricity rebates in Ontario, and changes in automobile pricing. As the effects of these relative price movements fade and excess capacity is absorbed, the Bank expects inflation to return to close to 2 per cent by the middle of 2018. The Bank will continue to analyze short-term inflation fluctuations to determine the extent to which it remains appropriate to look through them.  

Governing Council judges that the current outlook warrants today’s withdrawal of some of the monetary policy stimulus in the economy. Future adjustments to the target for the overnight rate will be guided by incoming data as they inform the Bank’s inflation outlook, keeping in mind continued uncertainty and financial system vulnerabilities.

Brought to you by the Bank of Canada. For a full report view their website at the following link: http://www.bankofcanada.ca/2017/07/fad-press-release-2017-07-12/

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Fraser Valley apartment sales reach all-time high in June

SURREY, BC – While overall market activity slowed slightly in June, apartment sales reached record-breaking levels at 683 transactions for the month.

The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board processed 2,571 sales of all property types on its Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in June, a decrease of 10.2 per cent compared to the 2,864 sales in June of last year, and a 5 per cent decrease compared to the 2,707 sales in May 2017.

At 683 sales, apartment transactions represented 27 per cent of all sales activity in the Fraser Valley in June, increasing 13.1 per cent compared to apartment sales in June 2016 and 12.2 per cent compared to May 2017. The average number of days to sell an apartment in June was 15 days, compared to 32 at this time last year.

"We knew that there was a growing appetite for our attached properties, but this month was exceptional," said Gopal Sahota, Board President. “I think one reason demand has continued to be so strong for our region is that we have such diverse, robust inventory to help buyers find the right home even in a more complex market like this one.”

Last month the total active inventory for the Fraser Valley was 5,487 listings. Active inventory decreased by 2.2 per cent year-over-year, and increased 5.5 per cent when compared to May 2017.

The Board received 3,707 new listings in June, a 0.1 per cent increase from June 2016, and a 0.1 per cent decrease compared to May 2017’s 3,712 new listings.

Sahota added, "More and more buyers are looking for affordable entry points in to the Fraser Valley. No matter what you’re trying to sell – from townhomes to ranchers – if it’s priced right, someone will be knocking on your door.”

For the Fraser Valley region, the average number of days to sell a single family detached home in June 2017 was 21 days, compared to 17 days in June 2016.

HPI® Benchmark Price Activity

• Single Family Detached: At $934,600, the Benchmark price for a single family detached home in the Valley increased 2.1 per cent compared to May 2017, and increased 8.5 per cent compared to June 2016.

• Townhomes: At $467,000 the Benchmark price for a townhome in the Fraser Valley increased 1.8 per cent compared to May 2017, and increased 20.6 per cent compared to June 2016.

• Apartments: At $325,300, the Benchmark price for apartments/condos in the Fraser Valley increased 10.3 per cent compared to May 2017, and increased 40.3 per cent compared to June 2016.

These stats are provided by the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board. For a full stats package click here:
http://www.fvreb.bc.ca/statistics/Package201706.pdf

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Growing sales in Fraser Valley met with bump in new inventory

SURREY, BC – The Fraser Valley saw a much-needed increase to new housing inventory entering the market in May, supporting growing demand for residential properties in the region. Last month marked the highest level of sales for the Fraser Valley since June of last year, and the second-highest level for a May historically.

The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board processed 2,707 sales of all property types on its Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in May, a decrease of 7 per cent compared to the 2,911 sales in May of last year, and a 21.4 per cent increase compared to the 2,230 sales in April 2017.

Of the 2,707 sales processed last month, 620 were townhouses and 609 were apartments. Attached home sales combined continued the 10-month trend of surpassing detached sales in the region.

“The further we get into this year’s market, the less 2016 looks like an anomaly in terms of demand and sales activity. If it wasn’t clear before, the Fraser Valley is now a prime, highly sought-after destination for home owners of all types," said Gopal Sahota, Board President.”

In May the total active inventory for the Fraser Valley was 5,203 listings, a decrease of 9.5 per cent year-over-year, and an increase of 5.9 per cent compared to the available inventory in April 2017.

The Board received 3,712 new listings in May; a 1 per cent increase from last year’s 3,674 new listing for the month, and a 25.8 per cent increase compared to April 2017’s incoming listings.

"We’re very happy to see the bump inventory we were looking for in April. I think sellers will certainly be glad that demand hasn’t let-up since the start of the spring market and more options for potential buyers is always a good thing.”

For the Fraser Valley region, the average number of days to sell a single family detached home in May 2017 was 23 days, compared to 16 days in May 2016.

HPI® Benchmark Price Activity

• Single Family Detached: At $915,800, the Benchmark price for a single family detached home in the Valley increased 3 per cent compared to April 2017, and increased 9.8 per cent compared to May 2016.

• Townhomes: At $458,900 the Benchmark price for a townhome in the Fraser Valley increased 2.9 per cent compared to April 2017, and increased 25.7 per cent compared to May 2016.

• Apartments: At $295,000, the Benchmark price for apartments/condos in the Fraser Valley increased 3.4 per cent compared to April 2017, and increased 31 per cent compared to May 2016.

Stats provided by the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board. A full stats package can be found here: http://www.fvreb.bc.ca/statistics/Package201705.pdf

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Bank of Canada maintains overnight rate target at 1/2 per cent

The Bank of Canada is maintaining its target for the overnight rate at 1/2 per cent. The Bank Rate is correspondingly 3/4 per cent and the deposit rate is 1/4 per cent.

Inflation is broadly in line with the Bank’s projection in its April Monetary Policy Report (MPR). Food prices continue to decline, mainly because of intense retail competition, pushing inflation temporarily lower. The Bank’s three measures of core inflation remain below two per cent and wage growth is still subdued, consistent with ongoing excess capacity in the economy.

The global economy continues to gain traction and recent developments reinforce the Bank’s view that growth will gradually strengthen and broaden over the projection horizon. As anticipated, growth in the United States during the first quarter was weak, reflecting mostly temporary factors. Recent data point to a rebound in the second quarter.  The uncertainties outlined in the April MPR continue to cloud the global and Canadian outlooks.

The Canadian economy’s adjustment to lower oil prices is largely complete and recent economic data have been encouraging, including indicators of business investment. Consumer spending and the housing sector continue to be robust on the back of an improving labour market, and these are becoming more broadly based across regions. Macroprudential and other policy measures, while contributing to more sustainable debt profiles, have yet to have a substantial cooling effect on housing markets. Meanwhile, export growth remains subdued, as anticipated in the April MPR, in the face of ongoing competitiveness challenges. The Bank’s monitoring of the economic data suggests that very strong growth in the first quarter will be followed by some moderation in the second quarter.

All things considered, Governing Council judges that the current degree of monetary stimulus is appropriate at present, and maintains the target for the overnight rate at 1/2 per cent.

Provided by the Bank of Canada. For full details click here: http://www.bankofcanada.ca/2017/05/fad-press-release-2017-05-24/

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