Media Advisory/Interview Opportunity - Low Rates Are Here to Stay - For the
Time Being

BMO Offers Advice For Home Owners and First-time Buyers

TORONTO, Jan. 21 /CNW/ - The Bank of Canada has signalled that its trend-setting interest rate will likely remain unchanged until at least the middle of this year.

"Recent comments from the Bank of Canada suggest little urgency to raise interest rates, given still weak demand in the U.S. and a strong Canadian dollar," said Sal Guatieri, Senior Economist, BMO Capital Markets. "The central bank's steady hand on the interest rate tiller could keep mortgage rates low well into the usually strong spring home selling season."

BMO Bank of Montreal experts have insights into the housing market given the current market conditions, and are available to answer top-of-mind questions including:

    
    -   What should new homeowners be looking for in a mortgage: fixed or
        variable?
    -   What does this mean for prospective home buyers?
    -   What are the benefits of buying vs. renting?
    -   What does this mean for mortgage rates - which are near historic lows
        today - and Canadians who are contemplating buying ahead of the
        busiest part of the real estate season?
    

For further information: For media inquiries or to arrange for an interview please contact: Martha McInnis, Toronto, [email protected], [phone]