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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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History in the Making: Botswana Unearths 2,492-Carat Diamond

 

In a remarkable discovery, Botswana has unearthed the largest diamond found in over a century. The colossal 2,492-carat stone was recently revealed at a viewing ceremony in Gaborone, the country’s capital. This extraordinary find, weighing approximately half a kilogram, marks a historic moment for Botswana and the diamond industry.

The as-yet-unnamed diamond was presented to the world by Botswana’s President, Mokgweetsi Masisi. His awe-struck reaction—“It is overwhelming. I am lucky to have seen it in my time”—captures the significance of this remarkable gem. Senior government officials were equally amazed, gathering to take a closer look at the fist-sized wonder.

The diamond was recovered from the Karowe Mine in central Botswana by Lucara Diamond Corp., a Canadian mining company. Using advanced X-ray technology, Lucara identified this “exceptional” rough diamond, which remains intact and of high quality. While its value is yet to be determined, it already holds a place in history as the largest diamond found in 119 years.

For context, the famous Cullinan Diamond, discovered in South Africa in 1905, weighed 3,106 carats and was cut into gems that now adorn the British Crown Jewels. Botswana, known for its natural diamond production, continues to make headlines with its remarkable finds. As the second-biggest producer of natural diamonds globally, the country has consistently unearthed some of the world’s most significant stones. 

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