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Big Bank Earnings Are In: What They Reveal About Your Mortgage Stress

  August 26, 2026 Canada's biggest banks are in the middle of reporting Q3 2026 results, and so far the headline numbers look strong. BMO and Scotiabank both beat analyst estimates this week, and National Bank of Canada reported this morning. RBC, TD, and CIBC follow Thursday, closing out the sector's earnings season. But the number that actually matters to most Canadians isn't profit — it's what the banks are setting aside for loans that might go bad, and what they're saying about who's struggling to keep up. That's where the picture gets more interesting than the headlines suggest. The headline numbers BMO kicked off the week with adjusted profit up 22% year-over-year and return on equity climbing to 14%, with the bank reiterating its target of 15% ROE by the end of fiscal 2027. Scotiabank posted what CEO Scott Thomson called a record quarter: net income of $3 billion, up 21% year-over-year, with adjusted ROE hitting 14.2% — clearing the bank's own med...

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Canada’s Inflation Rate Eases to 2.9% in January

 


Canada’s annual rate of inflation slowed in January, with prices rising 2.9 per cent, according to Statistics Canada. This deceleration was primarily driven by lower year-over-year prices for gasoline. Excluding volatile items like energy and food, the core inflation rate remained relatively stable.

Factors Influencing the Slowdown:

  1. Gasoline Prices: The decline in gasoline prices contributed significantly to the easing of inflation. As global oil markets adjusted, consumers benefited from more affordable fuel at the pump.

  2. Grocery Costs: Price growth for groceries also decelerated, rising 3.4 per cent annually in January compared to 4.7 per cent in December. This moderation in food prices played a role in curbing overall inflation.

  3. Base-Year Effect: The headline Consumer Price Index (CPI) grew at a slower pace year over year in January due to a base-year effect. The monthly increase in January 2023 was smaller than that in January 2022.

While this slowdown is a positive sign, it’s essential to monitor inflation trends closely. The central bank will continue to assess economic conditions and adjust monetary policy as needed. As we navigate the delicate balance between price stability and economic growth, Canadians can expect ongoing discussions about inflationary pressures and their impact on household budgets.

In summary, Canada’s inflation rate has taken a breather, but vigilance remains key as we move forward in 2024.


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