2,600 New Homes in Vancouver to be Sold at 60% Market Value
A joint initiative between the B.C. government, the City of Vancouver, and the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations will offer 2,600 new housing units in Vancouver at 60% of market value. The province will finance 40% of the purchase price, with buyers responsible for the remaining 60%. These homes, located on Heather Street, will be sold under a 99-year strata leasehold and are aimed at middle-income first-time buyers. Buyers must meet strict criteria, including being a B.C. resident for at least 24 months. The $670 million project aims to make homeownership more attainable in the city’s expensive housing market.
Source: CBC News
Government of Canada Invests Nearly $4M in Quebec's Quantum Sector
The Canadian government, through Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED), announced an investment of nearly $4 million to support the quantum sector in Quebec. This includes a non-repayable contribution of $3.5 million to Calcul Québec and a repayable contribution of $497,500 to Anyon Systems. Calcul Québec will use the funds to enhance the computational power of its MonarQ quantum computer from 12 to 24 qubits, supporting businesses and researchers. Anyon Systems, a quantum computing company, will use the funds to advance its technology and commercialization efforts. This investment aligns with Canada's National Quantum Strategy to foster innovation and strengthen global leadership in quantum technology.
Source: Government of Canada
Lower Home Prices and Interest Rates Improve Affordability in August
A report from Ratehub.ca shows that August 2024 saw improvements in home affordability across 12 out of 13 Canadian cities, driven by a drop in home prices and lower mortgage rates. Toronto, one of the most expensive markets, saw the biggest improvement, with the minimum annual income required to buy a home falling to $204,100—down $5,000 from July. The average five-year fixed mortgage rate also dropped to 5.16%, aiding affordability. However, the National Bank of Canada warns that despite recent gains, affordability has not returned to pre-pandemic levels. St. John's, N.L., was the only city to see a rise in income requirements due to an increase in home prices.
Source: Global News
China Cuts Interest Rates and Mortgage Down Payments to Stimulate Economy
On September 24, 2024, China’s central bank, the People's Bank of China (PBOC), introduced several measures to boost economic growth and stabilize the housing market. These include cutting short-term interest rates, reducing mortgage rates by half a percentage point, and lowering minimum down payments for second homes to 15%. Additionally, commercial banks can now lend more by reducing their reserve requirements, freeing up $140 billion for lending. Despite these actions, there is concern that businesses remain hesitant to borrow due to slow sales, and the PBOC may need to introduce further measures. Property prices in China have fallen by around 10% annually over the past three years, shaking consumer confidence and reducing household spending.
Source: The New York Times
UAE President Meets Joe Biden to Boost AI Cooperation
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed al-Nahyan met with U.S. President Joe Biden in Washington to enhance cooperation on artificial intelligence (AI) during Sheikh Mohamed’s first official U.S. visit in seven years. The UAE seeks easier access to U.S.-made AI technology to support its AI ambitions, as Abu Dhabi plans to diversify its economy away from oil. Both leaders discussed formalizing AI collaboration, expanding trade, and granting the UAE "major defense partner" status. However, current U.S. export controls on AI chips to the Gulf states pose challenges. The UAE is eager to strengthen its relationship with U.S. tech firms like Microsoft and Nvidia to advance its AI goals.
Source: Financial Times
U.S. Monthly House Prices Edge Up in July Amid Improving Supply
In July, U.S. single-family home prices increased by 0.1% month-on-month, following no change in June, according to the Federal Housing Finance Agency. Year-on-year, house prices rose by 4.5%, marking the smallest increase since June 2023. The combination of improving supply and falling mortgage rates, with rates at their lowest in 1.5 years, could enhance housing affordability. However, a significant decline in house prices remains unlikely as demand is expected to outpace supply. Regionally, monthly price increases were strongest in the Pacific, Mountain, and New England areas, while some southern regions saw price declines.
Source: Reuters
Market Insight
BlackRock Weekly Commentary
With the U.S. presidential election nearing, BlackRock’s analysis highlights key policy differences between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. Harris largely follows Biden’s tax plans, proposing higher corporate taxes, while Trump seeks to extend and expand the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Energy and trade policies are also central, with Harris supporting clean energy and maintaining current trade policies, while Trump promises to boost oil production and impose significant tariffs on China. Both candidates aim to increase export controls, particularly on advanced technology, impacting sectors like energy, tech, and healthcare.
Source: BlackRock
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