How The Discontinuation Of The Canadian Mortgage Bonds Program Has Impacted Investors In Recent Years



Investing in the financial market can be both exciting and overwhelming. As an investor, it’s essential to stay informed about recent news and changes in the market to make informed investment decisions. The cancellation of the Canadian Mortgage Bonds Program (CMBP) is one such change that’s opened up opportunities for investors to explore alternative investment options.

Changes to the Canada Mortgage Bonds Program

The Canadian Mortgage Bond Program (CMBP) has been a significant part of the Canadian financial market since its inception in 2001. It enabled lenders to pool mortgages and sell them as bonds to investors, providing a steady source of funding for the Canadian housing market. However, in October 2020, the Bank of Canada announced changes to the program, including its cancellation, which has significantly impacted the Canadian mortgage investing landscape.

When the CMBP launched, it allowed lenders to sell mortgages as bonds to investors. However, the program was canceled when it no longer seemed necessary. Even though the federal government did not directly issue the Canadian Mortgage Bonds (CMBs), they were designed to trade from the government bond desks to limit the spread differential. Despite this effort, the 5-year CMB has traded with a roughly 30 basis point spread compared to Government of Canada bonds.

There are currently around $244 billion in bonds outstanding as of March 15, 2023. The 2023 Federal Budget indicated the Debt Management Strategy to consolidate Canadian Mortgage Bonds (CMB) within the Government of Canada Borrowing Program. The program will continue until fall 2023, when another update is expected. 

What was the Canadian Mortgage Bonds Program?

The Canada Mortgage Bonds Program was a way for lenders to sell mortgages as bonds to investors. The program changed due to the impact of COVID-19 on the Canadian economy and housing market. As a result, investors may consider alternative real estate investment options such as mortgage investing through other means. Real estate investments can provide a steady stream of income and can be more stable than the stock market, but there are risks to consider, such as the potential for default and changes in the real estate market. There are ways to invest in real estate that reduce the risks of having all your money invested in one mortgage.

Benefits of Mortgage Investing

What does this mean for investors? It means that now may be an excellent time to consider alternative investment options such as mortgage investing. Mortgage investing involves lending money to individuals or businesses to purchase real estate. As a mortgage investor, you would earn interest on your investment and receive regular payments from the borrower.

One of the benefits of mortgage investing is that it can provide a steady stream of income, as borrowers are typically required to make regular payments over a fixed term. Another benefit of mortgage investing is that it can be a more stable investment option than the stock market. While the stock market can be unpredictable and subject to fluctuations, mortgage investing is tied to the value of the underlying real estate. The investment should maintain its value as long as the borrower makes payments.

However, investing in real estate on this scale carries risks and is only financially feasible for some investors. That is where mortgage pools come in. These pooled funds allow for diversification within a fund, similar to a mutual fund. The mortgage pool is managed by a Mortgage Investment Corporation (MIC) with experience in real estate investing and lending. Working with a reputable MIC allows investors to diversify their portfolio further and mitigate risks by ensuring that the borrowers they lend to are thoroughly vetted, the investment is secured correctly, and they’re investing in various projects, not one real estate investment.

How to Get Started

If you’re interested in exploring mortgage investing as an alternative investment option, there are a few things to consider before getting started. First, it’s essential to do your research and find a reputable mortgage investment company with a track record of success. You’ll also want to consider the minimum investment amount and the terms of the investment, including the interest rate, repayment period, and any fees associated with the investment.

Overall, the Canada Mortgage Bonds Program changes have opened up opportunities for investors to explore alternative investment options and mortgage investing through other means. If you’re curious, contact Jordan on our team today. 

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