Craig Alexander

In contrast to Central and Eastern Canada, housing conditions in Western Canada remain very tight and are showing increased signs read more

In contrast to Central and Eastern Canada, housing conditions in Western Canada remain very tight and are showing increased signs of speculation. When economic conditions are booming, it can also create the perfect breeding ground for speculative price bubbles to form. That's because in such an environment, housing market participants are at greater risk of developing a case of irrational exuberance, especially if they expect that such exorbitant price gains will continue indefinitely.

It is one of the hardest things to forecast. So, get used to it.

It is one of the hardest things to forecast. So, get used to it.

Canada's housing markets remained robust in early 2006, despite slightly higher mortgage rates. However, the dominant theme lurking beneath the read more

Canada's housing markets remained robust in early 2006, despite slightly higher mortgage rates. However, the dominant theme lurking beneath the national average results is clear signs that speculation has picked up in Western Canada, while housing markets in Central Canada appear to be coming in for a soft-landing.

In addressing the matter of a speculative housing bubble, the more important question to answer is: are these robust economic read more

In addressing the matter of a speculative housing bubble, the more important question to answer is: are these robust economic fundamentals in Vancouver strong enough to support such price gains? Based on a number of indicators, we still don't think so.

Speculation has picked up in Western Canada, while housing markets in Central Canada appear to be coming in for a read more

Speculation has picked up in Western Canada, while housing markets in Central Canada appear to be coming in for a soft landing.