Dividend freeze is prudent banking

Article Excerpt

Things are going well for Canada’s big five banks. Low interest rates continue to spur strong demand for new loans. As well, loan defaults should fall as the economy improves. Despite strong gains in their stock prices since last March’s lows, all five continue to trade at attractive multiples to earnings. Canadian and international banking regulators are working on new rules that will help the global banking industry avoid another credit crisis. In response, Canada’s banks are prudently conserving their cash instead of raising dividends. We feel the banks will resume their pattern of annual dividend hikes when the new rules take effect in 2011. Every investor should aim to hold at least two banks in the Finance segment of their portfolio. Bank of Nova Scotia, which has a strong presence in fast-growing regions, such as Asia and Latin America, remains our favourite for new buying. ROYAL BANK OF CANADA $56 (Toronto symbol RY; Conservative Growth Portfolio, Finance sector; Shares outstanding: 1.4 billion;…