The best of the Web on money, markets and all things financial, as chosen daily by Globe and Mail personal finance columnist Rob Carrick.
It's About Time
Mike Holman of the MoneySmarts blog has filled one of the very few remaining holes in the Canadian personal finance bookshelf with a new book on registered retirement education plans.
Your Morning Smile
Canada Savings Bonds rates have been announced - 0.65 per cent this year for regular CSBs and 1.1 per cent for Canada Premium Bonds (they step up to 1.4 per cent and 1.7 per cent in the next two years). OK, interest rates are ultra low these days, but this is ridiculous.
Much higher rates are available in both GICs and high-interest savings accounts issued by small banks and credit unions (all protected by deposit insurance). To survey the entire market, try the Savings Rate & GIC Comparison Tool located on Globeinvestor's Personal Finance page.
Mortgage Rate Outlook
The Canadian Mortgage Trends blog notes that yields on five-year Government of Canada bonds have hit a 17-month low at a tick less than 2 per cent. If yields stay this low, it could create room for discounted five-year mortgage rates to edge a little lower. As go five-year Canada bonds, so go five-year mortgages.
New Travel Card
An overview of the brand new American Express Gold Rewards card, which offers points that can be used to book any type of travel, or to earn airline frequent flyer points.
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Rob Carrick