The Globe and Mail reports in its Thursday, Feb. 1, edition that Scotia Capital analyst Phil Hardie thinks "increased conviction of a soft landing" has broadened the investment opportunities in his Canadian diversified financial coverage universe. The Globe's David Leeder writes in the Eye On Equities column that ahead of earnings season, Mr. Hardie lowered Toronto-based Propel Holdings to "sector perform" from "sector outperform." His share target soared $5.50 to $17. Analysts on average target the shares at $16.40. Mr. Hardie says in a note: "Propel has generated strong outperformance with the stock delivering a total return of close to 135 per cent over the past twelve months and doubling over the last few months. Following the strong run, we expect the stock to take a breather and with a one-year expected return in the low single digits despite a significant increase to our target price, we are downgrading the stock." The Globe reported on July 21 that Mr. Hardie had reaffirmed his "sector outperform" recommendation for Propel Holdings. The shares could then be had for $7.67. The Globe reported on Jan. 19 that Canaccord had reaffirmed its "buy" recommendation for Propel, which was then worth $16.31.