Red Key Mortgage Blog

14 Oct Report hints at why BMO went to 2.99%

New analyst reports are hinting at why BMO moved to offer that trendsetting 2.99 per cent rate, at the same time suggesting the offer may come back to bite it – and, indeed, the industry.

The big bank trod out that historical interest rate early last month, kicking off three weeks of the unprecedented originations activity for January, usually one of the slowest months for mortgage specialists and brokers, alike.

But that move – meant to increase revenue at the tail end of a challenging quarter – may not have been enough.

New York-based investment bank KBW Inc.is now forecasting first quarter earnings for BMO will fall short of “consensus expectations,” despite the special rate offer in January.

Both RBC and CIBC are in the same boat, according to the KBW forecast, although Scotia and TD should actually beat analyst expectations.

Still, BMO’s special rate offer may have consequences for all banks and mortgage brokers, with KBW analysts suggesting the ensuing spate of mortgage activity, spurred on by January’s rate wars, will factor into any government plans to tighten mortgage rules.

The KBW report warns that deeply discounted “teaser” rates could encourage the Finance minister to reduce mortgage availability as a way of further slowing consumer household debt increases.

The analysts also referred to CMHC’s January caution about the future availability of portfolio insurance for lenders as an indication of the government’s concerns about a possible continuation of the A and Alt-A mortgage growth the industry saw in 2011.

Today’s regulatory uncertainty – specifically, will the government further restrict mortgage rules or not? – will make 2012 a more challenging year than last for mortgage originators, argues another report released Monday.

“Last year Canadian banks presented solid results, primarily thanks to their strong retail banking businesses and growth in loan portfolios,” said PwC‘s Canadian financial services leader Diane Kazarian. “However, 2012 may see slowing growth in consumer credit markets and continued pressure on  margins as banks battle for market share.”

 

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