03/18/2026
The Bank of Canada held its policy rate today at 2.25%. But that does not automatically mean all mortgage rates stay the same. The Bank confirmed today that it maintained the overnight rate at 2.25%, with the next scheduled announcement on April 29, 2026.
So why are fixed rates moving up right now?
Because fixed mortgage rates are mainly influenced by the bond market, especially Government of Canada bond yields, as well as market expectations around inflation, economic growth, and lender funding costs. The Bank of Canada publishes benchmark Canadian bond yields separately from the policy rate, which is why fixed rates can move even when the overnight rate does not.
Why are variable rates not moving the same way?
Because variable mortgage rates are tied much more directly to the Bank of Canada’s policy rate and, in practice, to lenders’ prime rates. When the Bank holds its rate, variable rates usually remain stable in the short term unless lenders change pricing independently.
In simple terms:
Variable rate = mainly driven by the Bank of Canada
Fixed rate = mainly driven by the bond market
That is why fixed and variable rates do not react the same way, even on a Bank of Canada announcement day. Choosing between fixed and variable should never be based only on the headline — it should be based on your strategy, your risk tolerance, and your plans over the next few years. Contact me Melanie Breton [email protected] 438-496-8589