The Globe and Mail reports in its Friday edition that the Bank of Canada's decision to hold interest rates this week will keep variable mortgages steady, amid an uncertain rate policy ahead. The unbylined Mortgage Rates column says the BOC is balancing the need to cut rates due to a slowing economy with potential hikes if inflation from rising oil prices spreads. Economists largely anticipate a rate hike by the end of the year, with bond swaps markets also predicting a quarter-point jump later in 2026. Rates.ca's Victor Tran said, however, that his clients are less worried about BOC rate decisions and more focused on fixed-rate mortgages influenced by rising bond yields due to the Iran war, which are expected to remain high until a peace deal is achieved. He said, "The majority of my clients are opting for fixed rates for the stability." Royal LePage's Anne-Elise Cugliari Allegritti noted that a future rate hike could encourage sidelined buyers, as higher borrowing costs might impact their spending power. A 25 basis point increase could signal to these buyers that the market has bottomed out and is on the rise. She added that the cost of increasing mortgage rates would outweigh any savings from home prices dropping.