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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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Nigeria Balances Security Needs with Sovereignty in Response to U.S. Offer


Nigeria has stated that while it is open to receiving assistance from the United States in combating Islamist insurgents, such support must fully respect its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The announcement came after U.S. President Donald Trump warned of potential “fast” military action in Nigeria over what he described as the persecution of Christians in the country.

Daniel Bwala, an adviser to Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, emphasized that Nigeria welcomes international cooperation in its fight against terrorism but will not compromise its independence. “We welcome U.S. assistance as long as it recognises our territorial integrity,” Bwala said, adding that dialogue between the two nations could lead to stronger joint efforts against extremist groups.

Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation with over 200 million people, has faced years of violence from Islamist insurgents, including Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). These groups have carried out deadly attacks on civilians, security forces, and religious communities, destabilizing parts of the northeast and beyond.

The U.S. has long been a security partner to Nigeria, providing training, intelligence, and equipment. However, Trump’s recent remarks, which included sharp criticism of Nigeria’s handling of religious violence, have raised concerns about the tone of future cooperation. Nigerian officials have sought to downplay tensions, stressing that constructive engagement is the best path forward.

Observers note that Nigeria’s insistence on sovereignty reflects a broader trend among African nations wary of foreign intervention, even when facing severe security threats. The challenge now lies in finding a balance between external support and national control, ensuring that counterterrorism efforts strengthen rather than undermine Nigeria’s stability.


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