Happy New Year?  Perhaps not as two smaller lenders today raised the 5 year fixed rate almost a 1/2 point from 4% range to 4.44%.  Will others follow?  Likely.  Bond market has heated up in December.  If debating locking in now may be the time to consider since many lenders still a fraction below 4%. 

Still no talk of prime rate jumping as high Canadian dollar and tepid economic news as kept Bank of Canada suggesting no changes until at least mid 2010.   So variable as low as 2%.  Best five year fixed rate on market at 3.79% with limited prepayment options or 3.89% with regular options.