Mark Panizzon

How wars, sanctions, and geopolitical shocks ripple through global bond markets — and land on your monthly payment. If you’ve ever wondered why mortgage rates seem to move in mysterious ways — even when you’re doing everything right financially — the answer often lies thousands of kilometres away. A missile strike in the Middle East, a trade embargo on a G7 nation, or a naval standoff in the South China Sea can set off a chain of events that ultimately changes what you pay each month to own...

Interest rates are one of the most talked-about numbers in the economy, yet many people don’t fully understand why they rise or fall. Whether you’re thinking about buying a home, investing, or managing debt, understanding the forces behind interest rates can help you make smarter financial decisions. What Are Interest Rates? Simply put, an interest rate is the cost of borrowing money. Central banks, like the  Bank of Canada , set benchmark rates that influence everything from mortgage...

If you bought or refinanced during 2020–2022, you likely secured one of the lowest mortgage rates in Canadian history. Many homeowners locked in fixed rates in the 1–2% range — something we may not see again for a long time. Fast forward to today, and those “COVID-era” mortgages are coming up for renewal in a very different world. Rates are higher. Lender policies have evolved. Household budgets are tighter. And for many Canadians, this will be their first experience renewing into a higher...