Relaxing mortgage rules could help borrowers but also boost credit risks
December marked the 23rd straight month that joblessness has remained below 4%
Softer job market conditions came as high interest rates continued to weigh on growth
The firm's economic outlook predicts stagnant growth during the year's first half
Demand for workers remains strong by historical standards
Manufacturing, wholesale trade, real estate were among sectors that contracted
Public debt charges were up 38% compared to the same period last year
While pockets will suffer from rising rates, overall stress should be modest
Such numbers won't keep climbing, analysts warn
Without a surging population, inflation may already be under control, NBF report suggests