Many are asking if or when the frozen credit system and slower growth in the U.S. will impact the Canadian economy. The answer is broken down to a number of points:
- The energy index fell greater than the TSX Index
- The materials index fell greater than the TSX Index
- 5-year first time mortgages reached almost 8% (signaling a flight to safety)*
- The auto industry remains in a decline
- Gold rose
Impact on Toronto Real Estate
I have been assessing the Toronto real estate activities for 2008. The theme remains the same: listings are increasing (supply), days on the market is increasing (activity is slowing slightly), housing prices have increased. With mortgage rates rising significantly due to the events in the U.S., the purchasing power for consumers will weaken.
As we have already seen, provinces most exposed to the commodity market will see declining profit (and a need to hire more workers). Again, there will be pressure on the demand side of the housing market.
At some point, perhaps in a month's time, the prices for homes in Toronto will need to adjust to the pressures of the global economy. After all, other countries have been proven to be impacted by the weak U.S. economy. This includes China, London, India, and Europe. Canada will be no different.
Chart below: U.S. Energy Sector reflects economic health for Canada:
Source: http://stockcharts.com/charts/gallery.html?XLE
