What to expect for GICs in 2024 Nov 21st

In late 2020, major banks were offering 5-year guaranteed investment certificates (GICs) with rates of less than 1%. Now, just three years later, bank GIC rates for 5-year terms are over 4%. Some credit unions and trust companies are offering rates over 6% for short-term GICs, though 4- and 5-year rates are just under 6%.

It is uncommon to see long-term rates lower than short-term rates. This is a situation called an inverted yield curve. It signals expectations that interest rates will fall in the future. It can also forecast a recession, which tends to result in lower interest rates to stimulate a weakening economy.

Bank of Canada interest rate forecast for 2024

Most interest rate forecasts see rates declining in Canada in 2024. RBC Economics predicts the Bank of Canada’s overnight rate will drop by 1% by the fourth quarter of 2024. Scotiabank agrees with RBC, and TD is forecasting a 0.75% decline by the end of 2024.

Forecasts are not always accurate, but the consensus seems to be that rates could be lower next year…