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Trump’s Oct. 30 Tariff Swap: Who Wins, Who Loses, and What It Means for Your Wallet

  Canadian Money Brief • October 27, 2026 Washington just reshuffled the 50% tariffs on Canadian goods. Seaweed and packing boxes are out. Vinyl flooring, cocoa powder and shampoo are in. Here is who comes out ahead, who doesn't, and what to do with your money before the changes take effect on Oct. 30. The short version This is a reshuffle, not a rollback: more products are going onto the 50% list than coming off it, according to a KPMG Law trade lawyer. Politics is the driver. The exemptions followed U.S. Sen. Susan Collins' push, 10 days before the U.S. midterms. Canada's own counter-tariffs, which affect prices in your store, are not changing. A broad trade deal before the midterms looks unlikely. What's coming off, what's going on The White House changes take effect at the end of this month. Reports from CTV News and Money.ca describe the swap this way: Coming off the 50% list Going onto the 50% list Seaweed Packing boxes Some plywood sheets Certain paper and pl...

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Banks face challenges as fiscal year ends

                                     

The fiscal year 2023 has been a tough one for Canada’s major banks, as they faced rising costs, regulatory pressures and credit risks. Analysts expect their fourth-quarter earnings, which will be reported this week, to show a decline from last year.

Some of the challenges that the banks encountered this year include:

  • Cost-cutting measures: Some banks, such as RBC and Scotiabank, have reduced their work force and real estate holdings to lower their expenses. Others, such as BMO, have completed or planned major integrations of their acquisitions.
  • Regulatory scrutiny: TD Bank is awaiting the outcome of investigations by U.S. authorities over its anti-money-laundering practices, which could result in fines or other penalties. RBC’s proposed takeover of HSBC’s Canadian unit has also faced opposition from political and environmental groups.
  • Credit risks: As interest rates rise and inflation persists, the banks have increased their provisions for potential loan losses, anticipating higher defaults from their borrowers. The banks are also required to hold more capital by the banking watchdog, OSFI, to cushion against an economic downturn.
  • Slow loan growth: The demand for lending has been dampened by the high cost of borrowing and the uncertainty over the economic recovery. The banks have also faced stiff competition from fintechs and other non-bank lenders, who offer more convenient and cheaper alternatives.

Despite these headwinds, the banks are still well-positioned to weather the storm, as they have strong capital ratios, diversified businesses and loyal customers. The banks are also investing in digital transformation, innovation and growth opportunities, especially in international markets. Analysts and investors will be looking for signs of resilience and optimism from the banks as they wrap up the fiscal year.

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