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Markets Brief: Iran Deal Hopes Drive Global Rally — TSX Eyes a Strong Open | May 29, 2026

It's been a week dominated by one headline: the U.S.-Iran war and the fragile hopes of a peace deal. Heading into the long weekend, markets are ending Friday on an optimistic note, with record-setting sessions in Asia and a strong tone across North America. Here's your full wrap. Canada — TSX After a rough patch mid-week, the TSX bounced back Thursday — its first gain since Monday's record close — finishing up around 0.7% to the 34,770s range, driven largely by a blockbuster round of Big Six bank earnings. All six of Canada's largest banks beat analysts' estimates for Q2 (quarter ended April 30), raising dividends and signalling cautious optimism despite the volatile global backdrop. RBC posted a standout quarter, with its Wealth Management division up 28% year-over-year. TD Bank earned $4.25 billion in adjusted net income ($2.38/share), topping expectations, and raised its dividend. CIBC's profit surged 43%, with adjusted EPS of $2.76 beating consensus by a wid...

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Canadian Bank Fees: A Costly Affair

 

In a recent eye-opening report by North Economics, it was revealed that Canadians are paying over $7.7 billion annually in ‘excess’ bank fees. This staggering figure has sparked concern as the federal government is already taking steps to mitigate bank fees.

The Alberta-based consultancy firm’s analysis showed that the fees charged by Canada’s Big Five banks—RBC, TD, BMO, CIBC, and Scotiabank—are significantly higher than those in the U.K. and Australia. The report highlights the disparity in charges for everyday banking services, including monthly account fees, non-sufficient funds, overdrafts, and ATM usage at other banks.

Alain de Bossart, the managing director of North Economics, compared the retail banking profits to deposits ratio of 2022 between Canadian and British banks. The findings suggest that the Big Five banks in Canada had an ‘excess’ income of $7.73 billion, which translates to roughly $250 per Canadian.

The Canadian Bankers Association responded by emphasizing the value and accessibility provided by the competitive banking system in Canada. They also mentioned that a significant percentage of Canadians do not pay any account fees.

This report has intensified the dialogue on bank fees in Canada, with many calling for a more consumer-friendly approach that aligns with global standards.

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