Canadian banks’ profits seen pressured by slower dealmaking, mortgage growth

Canada's big bank results are expected to bring to light a number of challenges as lenders set aside more funds for bad loans in a tough economy that has also led to a slowdown in dealmaking and forced borrowers to rethink about new mortgages. "We expect another challenging quarter for the group," KBW analyst Mike Rizvanovic said, adding that he expects slowing loan growth, higher expenses and higher provisions for credit losses. The shares of the top five banks – Royal Bank of Canada, TD Bank, Bank of Montreal, Bank of Nova Scotia and CIBC – have lost between 2% and 8% so far this year.