Tag Archive for: Economic News

TD Bank Marks Significant Progress in Overhauling Anti-Money Laundering Program

By Naimul Karim, Financial Post | September 3, 2025

Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD) stands as Canada’s second-biggest bank. It reached a major milestone in revamping its anti-money laundering program in the U.S. The bank now fixes past faults that cost it billions in fines and slowed its operations.

A Collaborative Approach to Strengthening AML

Leo Salom leads TD Bank’s U.S. operations. He spoke at the Scotiabank Financials Summit in Toronto about the bank’s progress. TD set up a team of 40 top executives. These experts came from leading banks and law agencies. They include members from Homeland Security and the FBI. This small, skilled group brings solid experience. It shows TD’s will to build a strong and clear compliance system.

A Response to Previous Regulatory Penalties

U.S. regulators took punitive action about a year ago. They fined TD billions and limited its growth. The bank had failed to spot money laundering in its American branches. In response, TD began a clear fix plan to mend the problems and restore trust.

Investment in Advanced Technologies

TD is spending nearly $500 million in 2025 to upgrade its AML system. The bank plans to spend a similar amount in 2026. At the core of this work is new technology. TD recently launched a transaction monitoring platform that spots suspicious activity. It also introduced a new system to rate customer risk. In the last quarter, TD added two machine-learning tools. One tool finds unusual transactions; the other checks negative media alerts. These steps mix smart technology with close monitoring.

Positive Financial Indicators

TD’s AML overhaul comes with strong financial signs. For the quarter ending July 31, 2025, TD earned a net income of $3.3 billion. Last year, the same quarter ended with a $181 million loss due to AML costs. Growth in Canada’s personal and business banking, along with gains in wealth management and insurance, drove the profits. Salom said most key actions to overhaul the program should finish by year-end.

Looking Ahead: Continued Milestones Beyond 2025

Despite the progress, Salom said more milestones lie ahead in 2026 and 2027. The bank aims to build a sustainable and scalable AML system. Its tech upgrades are meant to create a world-class system now and speed up future fixes. This strategy strengthens TD’s long-term management. Global banks now boost their monitoring to stop financial crime. TD plans to protect its name and meet new standards with care.


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Contact:
Naimul Karim
Email: nkarim@postmedia.com

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RBC CEO Dave McKay Identifies Trade Talks as Biggest Economic and Banking Risk in Coming Quarter

Toronto, September 3, 2025 – Dave McKay leads the Royal Bank of Canada. He points to trade talks as the main risk for Canada’s economy and banks. He spoke at the Scotiabank Financials Summit in Toronto. He noted that RBC had strong quarterly results. However, he warned that the talks over the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) add a risk of change. McKay keeps his ideas clear: trade talks now affect banks and growth.

Encouraging Earnings Amid Economic Uncertainty

Canada’s Big Six banks share good earnings. These gains show that Canada might grow again. RBC’s quarterly numbers, ending July 31, show clear stability. McKay said trade talks with the United States will largely shape Canada’s future. He said, “There’s a source of potential volatility going forward.” He meant that the talks over CUSMA might lead to change. Even though he is hopeful, McKay notes a risk. The trade deal once helped shield the economy from U.S. tariffs. Changes in that deal can shift client demand and affect growth.

Economic Contraction and Policy Implications

Canada’s economy shrank by 1.6 percent in the second quarter of 2025. Statistics Canada shows that the drop came from low exports. U.S. tariffs caused a sharper fall than many had predicted. This drop matched the Bank of Canada’s July forecast. We now see more talk of a possible interest rate cut. Desjardins economist Royce Mendes said rates might drop after three meetings held at 2.75 percent.

Continued Uncertainty in Trade Policy

Darryl White leads Bank of Montreal. He shared a view like McKay. He said that trade uncertainty remains. He noted that Canada shows some signs of growth. But he warned that Canada still trails the United States. White said, “There isn’t a full understanding yet of whether we are going to preserve CUSMA.” He sees a good story for business but notes a pause in trade action. He expects Canada’s growth to rise when trade fixes settle.

Financial System Resilience

Peter Routledge heads the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions. He stated that Canada’s financial system stands ready. He said the system will help Canada face global change. His words showed strength in a time of uncertainty.

Looking Ahead

Canada faces hard choices as trade talks and global headwinds press on. The banks and leaders stay alert. They watch economic signs and trade news closely. The future of the CUSMA talks matters a great deal.


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Job Opening Data Dips to Pandemic-Era Lows, Signaling Cooling Labor Market

September 3, 2025 — U.S. job openings fall to low levels. Recent data shows a drop seen only since COVID began. This change points to a labor market that now slows down.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics released the latest Job Openings and Labor Turnover report. The report shows job listings near 7.18 million for July. This is only the second time since 2020 that openings fall under 7.2 million. The similar drop last occurred in September 2024 when numbers sat just above 7.1 million.

Key Highlights:

  • July job openings: 7.18 million
  • Economists’ expectation: about 7.4 million (from a Dow Jones poll)
  • Lowest reading: since September 2024
  • Comparison: levels seen in the early pandemic days

This drop did not meet economists’ predictions. The report shows hints that hiring may slow after many months of signs that job offers were dying down.

Heather Long, Chief Economist at Navy Federal Credit Union, noted, "This marks a turning point in the labor market. It is a crack in the system." She added, "The data proves that the job market is frozen and it is hard for anyone to find work right now."

What This Means for the Economy

Fewer job listings can signal that employers act with more care in uncertain times. Fewer openings may slow wage rise and job gains. A slowing labor market could also affect how much consumers spend, a key part of economic growth.

Investors and policymakers will study the next reports to gain a clearer view. Key upcoming data include:

  • Weekly jobless claims report (due Thursday): It gives a near-term look at layoffs and unemployment.
  • Monthly jobs report (due Friday morning): It shows a full picture of employment, job loss, and wage shifts across the nation.

Ongoing Labor Market Watch

The labor market has stayed in focus since the pandemic. COVID first shook jobs in many ways. Now, the drop in job openings hints that the market may grow more slowly or start to settle. As new numbers come in, experts will watch these trends to adjust their plans on hiring, investing, and economic policy.


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Euro Zone Inflation Rises Slightly Above Expectation to 2.1% in August 2025

Eurostat shared flash data on September 2, 2025. The euro zone saw inflation jump to 2.1% in August. This move beat the 2.0% estimate from a Reuters poll. Economists had kept the rate steady from July.

Key Inflation Figures and Market Response

  • The headline inflation rate is 2.1%, a bit above the ECB’s target of 2%.
  • Core inflation stays at 2.3%. It leaves out fast-changing prices like those for food, energy, alcohol, and tobacco.
  • The services inflation rate drops a little to 3.1% from 3.2% the month before.

Shoppers face higher prices at supermarkets across the euro zone. Markets react; the euro slips 0.6% against the U.S. dollar near $1.1640, and the pan-European Stoxx 600 index drops 0.7% on Tuesday morning.

European Central Bank’s Interest Rate Outlook

In July, the ECB kept its key rate at 2%. Many now expect the bank to keep rates at the same level in September. Andrew Kenningham, Chief Europe Economist at Capital Economics, notes that the small rise in headline inflation will not shift the ECB’s plans soon.

“Most important for the ECB is that the services inflation fell from 3.2% in July to 3.1% in August. This is the lowest since March 2022 and shows that local price pressure is easing,” Kenningham said.

He adds that the bank will hold rates for a few more months while it reviews economic signs.

Economic Growth and Trade Developments

Eurostat reported modest growth of 0.1% in the second quarter compared to the previous quarter. This slow but steady growth, mixed with fewer trade worries after the July EU-U.S. trade deal, sets a careful stage for the region’s economy.

The new deal cleared many tariff issues. Some worry that a steady 15% duty on certain EU exports to the U.S. could still slow activity.

Expert Perspectives on Inflation and Monetary Policy

Irene Lauro, a euro zone economist at Schroders, sees a steady path ahead:

“With trade worries easing, the euro zone recovery may gain strength. Firms begin to borrow and invest more. The ECB will likely hold rates steady in September. The steady core inflation shows that a change in policy is not on the horizon. The bank will watch growth before making any move.”

What Lies Ahead?

Data and expert words make it likely that the ECB will keep rates unchanged at its next meeting. The small rise in headline inflation, paired with softer services inflation, suggests that price pressures in the euro zone may start to settle.

Investors and policymakers watch closely. They see that future economic growth, job numbers, and trade matter for both inflation and the bank’s policy in coming months.


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Why Does Trump Hold Back on Punishing Russia and Putin?

September 1, 2025 – CNBC Report by Holly Ellyatt

U.S. President Donald Trump has warned he will add more sanctions on Russia and its leader, Vladimir Putin, if Moscow does not start peace talks or call for a ceasefire in Ukraine. Though Russian forces move more and Moscow shows no sign of talks, Trump sits back from new harsh actions.

A Strategic Pause in Sanctions

Experts note that this pause is part of a deep plan. Chris Weafer, head of Macro-Advisory in Moscow, says Russia’s money is already squeezed by limits on its oil trade. More sanctions might push Russia’s budget beyond its limit, but these tough moves have not come yet.

Reasons Behind Trump’s Reluctance

Two main points shape Trump’s slow move:

  • Aiming to Mediate Peace: Trump shows a clear wish to be the one who brings the sides together. With the Nobel Peace Prize soon in early October, many think the president plans to win praise for solving the conflict by talks instead of force.

  • Worry Over Russia and China Growing Close: Some in the U.S. fear that if Russia is cut off by the West, it may turn closer to China. A bond between Russia and China could give Beijing better access to Russian energy, materials, military tools, and key territories in the Arctic. This closeness might bar the U.S. from important areas and boost China’s rank in the world.

Chris Weafer said, “Official voices in Washington do not want Russia to end up under China’s wing; they work to keep Russia active with the West.” This care shapes when and how harsh the sanctions will be.

Reaction from Ukraine and the West

Ukraine shows anger at what many see as missed limits and broken promises from Washington. Trump set a line with a ceasefire date on August 8, but the fighting did not stop. John Herbst, who once led U.S. ties with Ukraine and now heads the Atlantic Council’s Eurasia Center, said Trump’s delay has left Kyiv and European friends "gritting their teeth," waiting for the White House to see that Russia acts to avoid real impact.

The New Geopolitical Scene: China-Russia-India Relations

At the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit on September 1, 2025, major eastern powers met. Leaders including Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined with 20 other state heads.

Chinese President Xi Jinping called for an end to a "Cold War mindset" and asked for more help among states. At the summit, Putin spoke of a chance to form a new political and social order away from a usual Euro-Atlantic group. He felt that recent meetings with Trump and current talks may help bring peace to Ukraine.

Outlook

Sanctions remain a key tool in U.S. efforts to press Russia. Yet, the U.S. now faces a hard mix of pushing Moscow and stopping a deep Russia-China tie. The White House has not yet explained its next moves, leaving friends in Ukraine and around the world to wait.


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Key Takeaways:

  • Trump holds back new sanctions to play a role as a mediator and to discourage a closer Russia-China bond.
  • New limits might force Russia’s economy into more trouble but could also speed up its move toward China.
  • Ukraine and its European friends are upset with what they see as slow or missing action.
  • The SCO summit shows that power in Eurasia is shifting.
  • The U.S. faces a hard task in balancing pressure on Moscow with wider global ties.

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Honey Deuce: How the U.S. Open’s Signature Cocktail Price Compares to Inflation

At the U.S. Open in New York, tennis fans crave a famous drink: the Honey Deuce. Its vodka base mixes with small honeydew pieces that clap like tennis balls. This cocktail ties with the match and cheer of a two-week event.

Rising Prices Amid Inflation Trends

Today, the drink costs $23. In 2015, it sold for $15—a change of 50% when you compare the two prices. The price held last year but had six jumps since 2012. CNBC checked the drink’s change with the overall cost rise tracked by the CPI.

From August 2015 to July 2025, the CPI climbed by about 36%. At the same time, the Honey Deuce price grew by about 53%. If it had moved with the general cost, you would find it at about $20.33 now. That is roughly $2.67 less than its current cost.

Outpacing Inflation and Other Alcoholic Beverages

This drink’s price grew more than that of other drinks served outside homes in U.S. cities, which went up by nearly 34% in ten years. The closer cost rise shows the Honey Deuce now stands higher than many of its drink mates.

The Impact on U.S. Open Revenue

Even at $23, the drink stays a crowd favorite. In 2024, fans bought over 550,000 Honey Deuce cocktails. Those sales brought in close to $13 million, as NBC New York reports. The U.S. Tennis Association did not share words about its pricing when asked.

Consumer Behavior in the Era of “Funflation”

The higher cost shows that many now pay extra for a unique fun time. Many watch prices again even as overall inflation slowed after COVID-19. They still choose travel, concerts, and live sports for a special day out.

Summary

  • Honey Deuce price in 2015: $15
  • Current Honey Deuce price: $23
  • Price increase since 2015: ~53%
  • Broader inflation (CPI) increase since 2015: ~36%
  • Alcoholic beverages price increase outside home: ~34%
  • Yearly Honey Deuce sales at U.S. Open: 550,000+
  • Revenue from Honey Deuce sales in 2024: Nearly $13 million

As the U.S. Open draws fans to New York, the Honey Deuce stands with the event. Its price change shows how inflation and the pull of unique moments shape spending at big sports shows.

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Canada’s Big Six Banks Thriving Amid Trade Uncertainty, But Executives Remain Wary

By Naimul Karim | August 29, 2025

Canada’s major banks posted record profits this quarter. They show strong business conditions despite tense trade with the United States. Top executives hold back on celebrations. They worry about economic clouds ahead.

Strong Earnings Reflect Economic Resilience

Five of Canada’s largest banks beat analyst predictions. Major firms like the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) and Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD) reached record profits. Rising revenues and fewer loan risks drove these results. The gains mark a strong economy even during a U.S. trade war.

Bank leaders, however, stay cautious. They see hope in rising non-essential consumer spending and a lower overall uncertainty than earlier in the year. Yet, they stress that the fragile Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) remains very important.

Trade Agreement Critical to Stability

CUSMA acts as a shield from harsh American tariffs. The deal soon faces new talks. RBC CEO Dave McKay said, “If most CUSMA goods stay exempt, Canada will have low tariffs and the economy can stay steady.” McKay warned of risks if trade talks fail. He stressed dangers like falling consumer confidence, squeezing company profits, rising inflation, and weaker job markets. Such risks add uncertainty to monetary policy and capital flows.

Modest Growth Continues Amid Challenges

Darryl White, CEO of Bank of Montreal (BMO), said the Canadian economy is in its middle innings. Growth is moderate. “The economy moves at the pace we expect,” White said. “It is not too strong and is not in recession. Some areas slow down naturally.” This steady growth explains why banks show healthy loan activity despite risks.

Borrowers Front-Run Economic Conditions

Maria-Gabriella Khoury, Fitch’s senior director for North American banks, noted many borrowers seek credit early. They expect tougher times ahead. “They line up credit while the economy is stable, not waiting for a toll from tariffs,” she said. Both consumer and commercial loans rose more than expected. This suggests customers act before challenges hit. Still, Khoury warned that this optimism might last only one quarter as tariff talks progress.

Loan Growth Restrained, but Margins Improving

Analyst Shalabh Garg from Veritas Investment Research said bank loan growth stayed in the low single digits. Slower loan growth fits the modest pace of the overall economy. With deposits growing faster than loans, banks cut funding costs and widened net interest margins. Banks also set aside fewer funds for bad loans. Broadly stable unemployment rates further support this improved performance.

Outlook Remains Cautious

Canada’s largest banks continue to succeed in a changing landscape. Yet, executives remain careful. Ongoing U.S. trade policies and the potential for CUSMA renegotiation add risk. For now, leaders avoid premature celebrations.

As Canada faces these challenges, the banking sector’s performance stays a key signal of the country’s overall economic health.


Photo credit: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Andrew Lahodynskyj

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PCE Inflation Report for July 2025 Shows Core Inflation at Highest Level Since February

The U.S. economy saw inflation rise in July 2025. The Commerce Department published a Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index report. In the report, core inflation—which drops food and energy prices—hit an annual rate of 2.9%. This rate meets economist views and marks the highest since February.

Key Inflation Findings

• Core PCE Inflation moved up by 0.1 point from June to 2.9% on an annual and seasonally adjusted basis.
• Monthly core inflation climbed by 0.3%, which matches forecasts.
• Overall, the all-items PCE index shows a 2.6% annual inflation rate with a 0.2% monthly rise. Each number falls near consensus views.

The Federal Reserve uses the PCE price index to measure inflation. It focuses on the core rate because it drops the variable food and energy prices. The Fed has set a 2% target. The rate now stays above this target, and the economy still shows inflation pressure.

Consumer Spending and Income Show Resilience

Inflation rises did not stop consumers from spending. In July, consumer spending grew by 0.5% as expected. Personal income also grew by 0.4%. These facts point to a strong consumer base even while prices go up.

Impact of Tariffs on Inflation

The inflation rise comes with tariff effects imposed by the Trump administration earlier this year. In April, a 10% tariff began on all imports. This step was soon followed by tariffs on some trading partners and by extra duties on some goods. The White House also ended exemptions for shipments under $800. These rules add to price increases in the supply chain.

Market and Federal Reserve Implications

After the report, stock futures lost a bit while Treasury yields stayed up. The mixed signals show different market views. The Fed now plans its next policy meeting. Many expect a rate cut in September, even as inflation stays high.

Fed Governor Christopher Waller supports lowering rates if the job market weakens. Experts such as Ellen Zentner from Morgan Stanley say future cuts will depend on jobs and inflation risks.

Sector Breakdown of Prices

• Energy: Prices fell by 2.7% over the year and by 1.1% over the month.
• Food: Prices went up by 1.9% over the year and dropped 0.1% in the month.
• Services: Prices rose by 3.6% over the year and by 0.3% in the month.
• Goods: Prices increased by 0.5% over the year and declined 0.1% in the month.

Conclusion

The July 2025 PCE report shows high inflation. Service prices drive most of the rise, even as energy and food costs fall. Consumer spending and income keep the economy active. The Fed must balance control of rising prices with support for growth and jobs.

The next weeks will be key as the Fed checks job data and inflation moves to set new rate plans.


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Denmark Cuts 2025 Economic Growth Forecast as Novo Nordisk Stumbles

August 29, 2025 – Denmark’s government lowers its growth forecast for 2025 from 3% to 1.4%. The drop comes as pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk slows in performance. The company makes popular diabetes and weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy.

Impact on the Pharmaceutical Sector

Denmark grew by 3.7% in 2024 with a strong rise in pharmaceutical exports. Novo Nordisk played a key role in this growth.

In early 2025, exports to the United States, a key market for the company, fell. The Ministry of Economic Affairs and the Interior gave these reasons:

  • Exports spiked in late 2024. Now, stocks drop.
  • The company loses market share against its rivals.
  • U.S. markets now see more generic drugs.

U.S. Tariffs and Trade Changes

U.S. tariffs on European medicines add to the doubt. A recent EU-U.S. trade pact cleared up some issues, yet tariff worries still affect growth.

The Danish Economic Ministry said:
"Growth in the first quarter of 2025 did not meet expectations. U.S. tariff hikes and lower drug industry results led us to cut the GDP growth estimate for 2025."

Outlook Despite These Issues

The ministry stresses that Denmark’s economy stays strong at its base. Some signs of strength are:

  • High employment as job numbers hold steady.
  • Controlled inflation that stays below 2% each year.

The forecast for 2026 rose from 1.4% to 2.1%. This change comes as more private and public spending is expected.

Novo Nordisk’s Position and Plans

A few years ago, Novo Nordisk became Europe’s most valuable firm. Demand for its drugs surged then. Now, the stock has lost over 10% in 2024 and more than 40% in 2025 year-to-date. This drop changed its market ranking.

In its quarterly report released earlier this month, Novo Nordisk showed a 67% sales rise over the past year. The company earned 19.53 billion Danish kroner (around $3.03 billion). It now plans to push more direct sales. The company faces strong competition from U.S. rival Eli Lilly and generic drug makers. Washington also pressures it to drop domestic drug prices.


Summary: Denmark lowers its economic growth forecast due to a slowdown in its key pharmaceutical sector. With falling exports and tariff worries, immediate growth is weak. A recovery is expected in 2026 with more domestic spending and new company strategies.

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TD Bank’s Strong Canadian Operations Drive Third-Quarter Profit Beat

Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD) reported strong third‐quarter results. It surprised analysts with high profits. The bank’s Canadian operations powered gains in personal banking, commercial banking, wealth management, and insurance. TD earned a net income of $3.3 billion in the three months ending July 31. This net income marks a swing from a $181 million loss in the same period last year.

Financial Highlights Exceed Expectations

TD’s earnings per share hit $1.89. This number shows a fast recovery after last year’s loss. Last year’s loss came from heavy cost provisions for anti‐money laundering (AML) issues. When non‐recurring items drop, TD’s net income climbs to $3.9 billion. Last year, it had reached $3.65 billion. The bank adjusted its earnings per share to $2.20, which tops the analyst forecast near $2.05. Chief Executive Raymond Chun said strong client activity and steady, disciplined work drove the profit. He stressed that TD now builds on its success. “We are well-positioned to compete, grow, and build our bank for the future,” Chun said.

Progress on AML Remediation and Operational Improvements

TD has worked hard over the past year to fix its AML controls. Regulators in the U.S. had imposed fines and restrictions on TD’s U.S. operations. Leo Salom, head of TD’s U.S. segment, said key management fixes will finish by the end of 2025. He listed clear steps like policy updates, process changes, and system upgrades. These changes support an effective AML program.

Some work will take place into 2026 and 2027. After management tasks end, the bank will audit all its programs. U.S. regulators will check that TD meets AML rules over a sustainability period. “Our priority is to build a very strong AML program as quickly and comprehensively as possible,” Salom said.

Industry Context and Economic Outlook

Bank earnings now show the health of the economy. TD and other major Canadian banks—Bank of Montreal, Bank of Nova Scotia, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, and Royal Bank of Canada—beat market expectations. National Bank of Canada came in a bit short.

Analysts watch provisions for credit losses (PCLs) to judge the strength of lenders’ loan portfolios. PCLs are reserves for unexpected loan defaults. TD’s PCLs fell to $971 million in the third quarter, down from roughly $1 billion a year ago. Chun noted that tariffs bring uncertainty, especially in certain sectors. He added that both the Canadian and U.S. economies have stayed strong. “It is still early days, and it will likely be a long road before the full impact of tariffs is well understood,” he said.

Looking Ahead

TD’s quarterly results show how the bank can adapt and strengthen core operations. It manages regulatory hurdles and economic challenges while growing. With ongoing AML improvements and strong Canadian business, TD is set on a path for sustained profit and growth.


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