ZT-BMO study says variable-rate mortgages better deal for borrowers most times

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Fri Oct 23, 5:12 PM
* N0 x# [/ H/ TBy The Canadian Press
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, u& A5 O9 R) J2 \* C  U6 @; JTORONTO - Fixed mortgage rates may help you feel secure in your budgeting, but the Bank of Montreal (TSX: BMO.TO) says the more volatile variable rate mortgages will save you money in the long run.

The bank put out a report Friday showing that, over the past 30 years, variable-rate mortgages have been more cost-effective about 82 per cent of the time. That may come as a surprise to some after studies have shown many Canadians prefer a fixed-rate mortgage.
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A fixed rate locks the borrower into a set interest rate for a certain period of time.
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That gives many borrowers peace of mind knowing how much money to set aside each month for their mortgage payment.

7 Q. t5 X% N0 iVariable rates change along with interest-rate moves.

7 ^/ d& w( b% g& r. u) SBMO said the Bank of Canada's overnight lending rate is at its lowest possible point now, which could mean there are fewer benefits to a variable rate in the foreseeable future.
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! u9 W1 e; j. z' Q1 `- tBMO highlighted two historical periods when fixed rates were considered beneficial - in the late 1970s and late 1980s - and both were just before interest rates started rising again.

+ g3 O. f, P6 d# RThe bank added that the current interest environment is similar to both of these periods.
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; a( v" g7 A# H"Short-term rates are at extreme lows and pressure is likely to build for higher rates in the year ahead," said deputy chief economist Doug Porter in the report.
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' U' V# T- G/ m' G+ `"The question of whether to lock in to a longer-term fixed mortgage rate or stay in a variable rate has become an increasingly complex and important issue."
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Canada has been in a long-term declining rate environment since the early 1980s, the bank suggested.

0 Y) |' E  X+ P6 k! WAs a result, the spread between five-year fixed mortgages and variable mortgages has been pushed wider in recent years, and is now near an all-time high.

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