When it comes to picking solid options for your portfolio, there are few investments that are as well-known and attractive as the big bank stocks. In short, Canadian bank stocks offer solid growth, attractive yields and a defensive appeal.
They also account for well over 90% of the banking market in Canada, which leads into that defensive appeal and heavily regulated environment they’re known for.
But does that alone make the Canadian bank stocks good buys as we move into 2026? Let’s try to answer that by going over a case for each.
The case to buy in 2026
Despite taking an overwhelming share of the domestic market, there’s still room for growth from the big banks. That growth includes both domestic competition as well as international-sourced growth.
Bank of Nova Scotia (TSX:BNS) leads the charge in this area, and for good reason. Scotiabank is known as Canada’s most international bank and offers a diverse range of operations in international markets.
That growth focus has until recently focused on Latin America, but the bank has shifted that lens onto other more mature markets in North America, such as the U.S.
The U.S. market is also the primary growth focus of both Toronto-Dominion Bank (TSX:TD) and Bank of Montreal (TSX:BMO). Both enjoy strong U.S. branch networks that include millions of customers stretching across multiple states.
TD’s presence is more focused on the East coast, stretching from Maine to Florida, whereas BMO has operations in the Midwest and West regions of the country, including a presence in 32 state markets.
That growth for Canadian bank stocks is expected to continue in 2026, despite the potential for further rate cuts.
The case to buy also includes the dividends that the Canadian bank stocks offer. They are often among the most stable and longest-paying members on the market.
By way of example, BMO is the oldest of the banks and has been paying out dividends without fail for 196 years. TD offers a similar impressive record, extending well over 160 years.
The case to sell in 2026
Unfortunately, it’s not all strong growth and dividend hikes. Earnings expectations have been revised down as slower loan growth and economic uncertainty take a toll.
That uncertainty, particularly if the U.S. economy weakens, could result in the big banks seeing higher loan losses and therefore eat into profits.
That’s a reason enough for less risk-averse investors to consider trimming their positions in the big banks or looking to more defensive holdings, such as utility stocks.
Adding to that risk is the rising cost of Canadian household debt and exposure to real estate. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (TSX:CM) is known for its large domestic mortgage book compared with its larger big bank peers.
If the market were to begin to stall or drop, that could translate into losses. Again, this could be a call for more risk-averse investors to sell now while values are higher.
The case for holding in 2026
Ultimately, some existing investors may choose the most reasonable choice and do nothing. As noted above, Canadian bank stocks are known for their ability to pay handsome dividends, even during troubled times.
A pullback in the market of any type will cause yields to soar, and by extension, reinvestment amounts to increase.
That may be reason enough for investors to consider holding on to existing positions and filtering the noise.
Canadian bank stocks: Buy, sell, or hold?
Canadian bank stocks are plenty of things, but exciting isn’t one of them. They offer stability, growing dividends, and long-term growth potential.
Whether you plan to buy, sell, or hold depends on your risk level.
Irrespective of that risk, the big banks are solid options for any well-diversified portfolio.
