The Financial Post reports in its Thursday edition investors will be paying close attention early next month when the banks post quarterly earnings. The Post's John Shmuel writes the banks will release their fiscal fourth quarter 2015 results beginning Dec. 1 when Bank of Montreal and Bank of Nova Scotia report. The banks have so far defied expectations this year with rising profits, even as the overall economy struggled in light of crashing oil prices. Markets will be eager to find out whether their outlook will stay upbeat. "Even as expectations that earnings for the group remains challenged, we believe that Q4 results will be almost inconsequential, as the market will likely be more focused on the banks' outlooks for the upcoming year," said Barclays analyst John Aiken in a note, adding the banks face "challenges" in 2016. A slowing housing market is one of the top concerns for the banks. "We forecast a weak end to a good year, as seasonally elevated expenses and a weak capital market environment conspire to hold back earnings," said CIBC analyst Rovert Sedran. This adds to the relatively negative sentiment on the banks. In recent years, banks consistently defied doom and gloom calls from analysts.