Relaxing mortgage rules could help borrowers but also boost credit risks
While pockets will suffer from rising rates, overall stress should be modest
Existing home sales rose 0.8% in November to seasonally adjusted annual rate of 3.82 million
OSFI says the stress test has produced a more resilient residential mortgage financing system
OSFI says that vulnerabilities are high, but haven't intensified in recent months
Mortgage resets next year expected to cut into spending
Recommendations echo affordability measures in government's fall economic statement
Fourth straight weekly drop for the rate, which a year ago averaged 6.58%
HELOC balances declined, mortgage growth slowed in September
Rate cuts to start materializing by mid-year