The Canadian Index

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Step chart showing the CRA's prescribed interest rate holding steady at three percent for a sixth consecutive quarter.

The rate that applies when a prescribed rate loan is first set up stays locked in for the life of that loan, regardless of any later change to the quarterly announcement, which is why advisors treat a stable stretch like this one as a limited window rather than routine news. The strategy applies to loans between spouses, to family trusts, and to adult children in lower tax brackets, shifting investment income to the lower-bracket family member. Interest must be paid by January 30 each year or the income-splitting benefit is lost retroactively.

This chart is presented for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, tax, or legal advice. Figures reflect the source and period indicated and may no longer be current.

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Line chart showing the CRA prescribed interest rate for family and shareholder loans holding at 3 percent through 2026.

The CRA has confirmed the prescribed rate for family and shareholder loans holds at 3% for the fourth quarter of 2026, the sixth straight…

CRA Holds the Prescribed Rate at 3% for a Sixth Straight Quarter

September 1, 2026

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Step chart showing the CRA's prescribed interest rate holding at 3 percent from the third quarter of 2025 through the fourth quarter of 2026.

The Canada Revenue Agency held the prescribed rate on family loans at 3% for the fourth quarter of 2026, its sixth straight quarter at that level.

The CRA Held the Prescribed Rate at 3% Again. The Window to Use It Is Narrower Than It Looks

August 31, 2026

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Line chart showing the Government of Canada five-year bond yield climbing to 3.43 percent in early September 2026.

The Government of Canada five-year yield has risen for two straight weeks as markets price in a near-certain Federal Reserve rate hike,…

Why This Quarter Is the Window to Lock the 3% Prescribed Rate

September 16, 2026

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Bar chart showing 17.5 billion dollars in federal tariff response programs, with about 5 percent of funding deployed so far.

Canada's counter-tariffs on steel, dairy, appliances, agricultural equipment, pulp and paper, and electronics take effect September 8, matching U.S.

Federal Tariff Response Programs Reach $17.5 Billion in Commitments

September 3, 2026

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Quarterly bar chart showing the CRA prescribed rate holding at 3 percent from Q1 2022 through Q4 2026.

The Canada Revenue Agency confirmed its prescribed rate stays at 3 percent for the fourth quarter of 2026, the sixth consecutive quarter at…

CRA Prescribed Rate Holds at 3% for a Sixth Straight Quarter

August 21, 2026

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