The Globe and Mail reports in its Thursday edition that the Bank of Canada said Wednesday it is holding its key interest rate steady. The Globe's Meera Raman writes that Realtors and economists say the pause could bring both buyers and sellers back into the housing market after months of hesitation. Deputy governor Carolyn Rogers said she expects a "better balance in the housing market," between sales and new listings. She said the BOC does not "expect another surge in house prices," but "maybe a continued correction in some of the higher-price markets." The predictability that comes with an extended rate hold can be a catalyst for activity in a market that has been marked by volatility and shifting expectations, said Royal LePage's Tom Storey. He said, "Certainty is a wonderful thing for the housing market." With rates now on pause, Mr. Storey said both buyers and sellers may feel more confident moving ahead. He expects an upward trend in sales activity, but said that more transactions do not automatically mean higher prices. "In fact, prices could still fall as sales transactions go up," he said. CIBC's Benjamin Tal said housing activity will ultimately depend on consumer confidence in the broader economy.