🇨🇦 Banks Q2 Reports
Another quarter with a modest reserve increase.
In Q2 (ending Apr), the collective reserves of the big 5 Canadian banks are up 4.5% Q/Q, or $1.1 billion CAD.
The one-time effect from BMO’s acquisition of Bank of the West is excluded.
3 phases of allowance change since the beginning of the pandemic:
🟥 In 2020, 5 banks quickly raised the reserves by 70~% or $12.6 billion, in fear of the pandemic recession.
🟩 In the 6 quarters after, 70% of the reserves build-up or $8.9 billion was gradually released. The public and private relief programs steered clear of the worst scenario.
🟨 Since Q3 F’22, with persistent inflation, fast-rising rate, and growing dwelling cost, banks anticipated growing risk and increased allowance again.
After 4 consecutive increases, the total reserves are 38% or $6.9 billion more than the pre-pandemic level in Q1 F’20.
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