Canadians now have a higher proportion of debt to income according to new data.
Canadians now have a higher proportion of debt to income according to new data. Figures from Statistics Canada show that in the third quarter average household debt rose to 162.6 per cent of income; although the Q2 figure was revised down to 161.5 per cent from 163.6 per cent. The new Q3 figure though is a record and has intensified concerns that Canadians quest for ‘easy money’ is a risk to the economy. The figures include mortgage debt and home loans have been increasing this year in volume and size with low interest rates fuelling demand. Some experts believe that the home loan portion of household debt should not be considered overly risky, with figures from the Canadian Real Estate Association suggesting an increase in house prices of 0.9 per cent in 2015. Others disagree with the eventual interest rate rises making repayments unaffordable for some households. There is also evidence that subprime mortgages have increased by a disproportionate level.
