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5 Things to Know Today — September 24, 2026

  Thursday, September 24, 2026 5 Things to Know Today Bond yields are hitting levels not seen in decades, Trump and Xi just extended a trade truce, and the Bank of Canada is mired in a near-100-day strike. Here's what Canadians need to know this morning. 1 · Markets TSX Sinks as Bond Yields Hit Multi-Decade Highs The TSX dropped 584 points on Wednesday — a 1.61% slide — closing at 35,751.43 and breaking through its 25-day and 50-day moving averages. It was the worst single-session performance in weeks, reversing three straight days of gains. The selloff was driven by rising energy prices and a global bond market rout that has sent U.S. 10-year Treasury yields toward 5.1%, their highest since 2007, while Canada's 30-year yield hit a level not seen since 2004. Higher yields pull money out of equities and push up borrowing costs across the board. Big bank stocks led the decline — RBC fell 2%, TD dropped 2.4%, BMO shed 2%, and Scotiabank retreated 1.6% — while gold miners added to ...
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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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