MLN NewsStream

The Donald won't be happy. As almost unanimously expected, the FOMC left its target rate at an average of 4.375%.

Trump and Carney's much-anticipated first encounter is over. In a display of diplomatic restraint, the two leaders managed a meeting that was both productive and devoid of verbal fireworks, so that's a positive.

Here are some of the highlights, complete with mortgage implications:

There's been quite a lull on the national rate leaderboard, but a pulse was detected on Monday. There were four moves among the rate leaders, the most in two weeks.

Among the notable changes:

Manulife had a record-breaking year selling mortgage creditor insurance in 2024. That cemented the company as the biggest provider of such insurance in the land, followed by Canada Life.

So, what’s the magic behind Manulife’s creditor life insurance (CLI) win streak?

We put that question to Mario Cloutier, Head of Creditor Insurance at the company. He shed light on the factors at play and spelled out how Manulife's Mortgage Protection Plan (MPP) distinguishes itself from more common term life insurance.

Now, we get that insurance articles may not be people's go-to form of entertainment, but if you're a broker who sells this stuff, this is time well spent.

First National is a broker channel leader, making it a bellwether for trends in both single- and multi-family mortgage markets. Here are some swift takeaways from the company's Wednesday conference call: