Record Canadian household debt ratio fuels concern, warnings

By Leah Schnurr and Matt Scuffham OTTAWA/TORONTO (Reuters) - Canadian household debt compared to income rose to another record high in the fourth quarter, reinforcing fears that borrowers and the broader economy will suffer a painful reckoning when interest rates eventually rise. Years of low borrowing costs and rising home prices have contributed to Canadians taking on more debt since the financial crisis, with the central bank keeping interest rates low to support growth. The ratio of househol