Q: The Big 5( now 6) have always benefitted from an oligopoly with minimal competition. Now that CWB, HSBC and Laurentian have been absorbed does this change the competitive landscape enough to justify even higher valuations for these juggernauts? Or could AI opportunities also justify higher valuations? Interesting how in a week where dismal numbers from the housing market, car market and employment market don't affect current or projected results for the banks.
5i Research Answer:
We do not think much changes. The companies that have been acquired, even collectively, were not...