The Globe and Mail reports in its Monday, March 16, edition that homeowners with stronger credit scores are increasingly defaulting on mortgage payments, highlighting the impact of rising mortgage rates on lower-risk borrowers. The Globe's Rachelle Younglai writes that Equifax Canada reports a rise in defaults not only among subprime borrowers but also those with credit scores in the 621 to 680 range, indicating a concerning trend among financially stable homeowners. Equifax credit scores range from 320 to 880, with prime borrowers rated above 660 and weak borrowers below 580. Scores reflect customers' debt management histories. Mid-tier borrowers are increasingly missing mortgage payments, with a 31-per-cent rise in delinquency rates from the fourth quarter of 2024 to the fourth quarter of 2025, according to Equifax data. The pace was quicker even than the weakest subprime borrowers with credit scores of 320 to 520, and those in the 521 to 580 range, who saw delinquency rates rise by 23 per cent and 28 per cent over the past year. Equifax says there is an "alarming acceleration of financial stress" that is rapidly expanding to more creditworthy borrowers.