Canadian Retail Sales (September 2024)

Date: November 22, 2024

Canadian retail sales rose 0.4 per cent to $66.9 billion in September from the previous month. Compared to the same time last year, retail sales are up by 0.8 per cent. Furthermore, core retail sales, which exclude gasoline and automobile items, rose by 1.4 per cent month-over-month. In volume terms, adjusted for rising prices, retail sales rose 0.8 per cent in September.

For the third quarter of 2024, retail sales rose by 0.9 per cent overall and by 1.3 per cent in volume terms.

Regional Performance

Retail sales in British Columbia were up 0.6 per cent in September month-over-month, while down 0.5 per cent compared to the same time last year. In the CMA of Vancouver,…

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Looking for the perfect place to call home in the thriving community of Richmond? Townhouses in Richmond offer a blend of affordability, style, and convenience, making them an ideal choice for first-time buyers, families, and savvy investors. In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits of owning a townhouse in Richmond, highlight what makes this area so desirable, and guide you on how to find the best deals in the market.

Why Richmond is a Prime Location for Homebuyers

Richmond, a vibrant city nestled in the heart of Metro Vancouver, boasts a unique charm that attracts people from all walks of life. From its stunning natural beauty to its bustling urban centers, Richmond offers a balanced lifestyle that appeals to both young professionals and growing…

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Looking for exciting ways to spend your weekend in Vancouver? Whether you’re into dazzling holiday lights, unique shopping experiences, or family-friendly fun, the city has something for everyone. Let’s dive into the best events happening on November 23-24!

Surrey Tree Lighting Festival and Holiday Market

Event Overview

The Surrey Tree Lighting Festival is a magical way to kick off the holiday season. Known for its festive atmosphere, this event is packed with fun activities for all ages.

Dates, Time, and Location

When: November 23 and 24, 2024
Time: Noon to 8 pm
Where: Surrey Civic Plaza – 13450 104th Avenue, Surrey
Cost: Free

Key Attractions

Enjoy live music, food trucks, and amusement rides. Don’t miss the main event: the…

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October Inflation Rose to 2.0% As Gasoline Price Declines Were More Muted

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 2.0% year-over-year in October, up from a 1.6% increase in September. Gasoline prices fell to a lesser extent in October (-4.0%) compared with September (-10.7%). The all-items CPI, excluding gasoline, rose 2.2% in October, the same growth rate as in August and September.

The smaller decline is partly attributed to a base-year effect, as prices fell 6.4% month over month in October 2023, stemming from lower refining margins and weaker global oil consumption.

On a monthly basis, prices for gasoline were up 0.7% in October, following a 7.1% decline in September.

Slower Rise in Shelter Prices

Shelter price growth continued to…

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The Canadian Housing Market Shows Signs of Life

Canadian home sales surged to their highest level in more than two years as the Bank of Canada cut interest rates, bringing buyers back into the market. Home sales rose 7.7% month-over-month (m/m) in October, reaching their highest level since April 2022.

Rising home sales were broadly based, with the Greater Toronto Area and British Columbia's Lower Mainland recording double-digit increases in October. The buoyant housing demand was likely the result of the surge in new listings in recent months and the fall in mortgage rates arising from the BoC's easing. The jumbo rate cut, however, was in the last week of October, likely having little bearing on the monthly data released by the Canadian Real…

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Planning your weekend in Vancouver? Whether you're a local or just visiting, this vibrant city has a packed schedule of events this November. From cultural festivals to street performances, there's something for everyone. Here are the top things you won’t want to miss!

IndieFest

Start Date: November 15, 2024
End Date: November 23, 2024
Price: $19.99-$45
Location: Various Locations, Vancouver

Naissance presents the fifth annual IndieFest, an immersive celebration of creativity featuring IBPOC and LGBTQ2S+ artists. This year’s theme, “Transformation and Transcendence,” invites audiences to explore new perspectives through live performance, dance, and cutting-edge technology. Opening night features Eurydice Fragments by Luke Hathaway and…

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Canadian employment rose by 0.1 percent from the previous month, growing by 15,000 jobs to 20.597 million in October. The employment rate fell by 0.1 points to 60.6 per cent, while the unemployment rate remained unchanged at 6.5 per cent. Average hourly wages increased by 4.9 per cent year-over-year, reaching $35.76 last month. Total hours worked rose 1.6 per cent from October of the previous year.

Employment in British Columbia (B.C.)

Employment in B.C. declined by 0.3 per cent to 2.829 million, despite a gain of 8,000 jobs in October. This marks the first month of provincial job growth since April 2024. Employment in Metro Vancouver saw a 1.2 per cent increase, reaching 1.606 million in October. The unemployment rate in B.C. dropped by 0.2…

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Weaker-Than-Expected October Jobs Report Keeps Jumbo Rate Cut In-Play in December

Statistics Canada released October employment data today. The data showed a marked slowdown in job growth, underscoring ongoing labour-market softness that triggered a jumbo rate cut last month. Statistics Canada reported that the country added 14,500 positions in October, missing the median expectation of a 27,200 rise in a Bloomberg survey of economists. This is the smallest employment gain this year and far below the average monthly pace of about 40,000 positions. The jobless rate held steady at 6.5%, beating forecasts of 6.6%.

Friday’s report indicates an economy still creating jobs but with room for more growth. Bank of Canada policymakers cited the weakening in…

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West Vancouver has earned its reputation as one of British Columbia's premier real estate markets, attracting investors, families, and international buyers alike. Known for its stunning waterfront views, luxury homes, excellent schools, and unparalleled quality of life, West Vancouver offers a blend of attributes that make it highly desirable. As the market continues to thrive, it’s worth exploring the specific qualities that make West Vancouver a top choice for real estate investment in British Columbia.

1. Unmatched Luxury and Scenic Beauty

West Vancouver is synonymous with luxury, and its breathtaking scenic beauty only enhances its appeal. The area is home to some of BC’s most exclusive neighborhoods, featuring properties with views of the…

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Are you ready for a weekend filled with festive lights, unique shopping experiences, and a taste of local culture? Vancouver has something exciting to offer this November 9-10, from magical light festivals to handcrafted treasures at one of the city's best-known holiday markets. Whether you're planning to explore Surrey's Bear Creek Park Light Festival, pick out a unique gift at the Circle Craft Holiday Market, or simply soak in the holiday spirit, this guide has you covered!

Surrey’s Bear Creek Park Light Festival

Overview of Surrey’s Light Festival

The Surrey Light Festival at Bear Creek Park is a must-see winter attraction for those looking to kickstart their holiday season. This enchanting light display is set in one of the most iconic…

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