U.S. exposure gives TD an edge

Article Excerpt

Canada’s big five banks have fallen out of favour in the past few weeks, for two main reasons. First, the Bank of Canada unexpectedly cut its benchmark interest rate. While lower rates should spur loan demand, banks will earn less interest income on these new loans. Moreover, the banks may have to increase the rate they pay to attract depositors, which would squeeze their profit margins. In addition, investors fear that lower oil prices could force oil producers to default on their loans. Layoffs in the sector could also lead to higher credit losses in Alberta. We still like the long-term outlook for all five big banks, but TD Bank is our top choice right now. It stands to gain from the improving U.S. economy (it now has more branches in the U.S. than Canada), and the low Canadian dollar will enhance its U.S. profits. Moreover, the bank is benefiting from its 2014 deal with Aimia to become the main…