The Globe and Mail reports in its Wednesday edition that you are of a mind to stick it to U.S. President Donald Trump over his 51st state trolling, you might want to buy Canadian bank stocks. The Globe's David Berman writes that with one purchase, you have bet on a lot of moving parts in your home country, from housing and commercial lending, to capital markets activity and wealth management. Though the biggest banks have far-flung operations in many parts of the world, including the United States, domestic operations remain central to their profit engines. Those engines are humming. Despite simmering concerns about the impact of tariffs, the Big Six banks have gained nearly 40 per cent in 2025. The gains were powered by strong profit growth and rising valuations. Oligopolies have their advantages. A small number of large players in a sector virtually guarantees big profits, fat margins and stable dividends. In the case of Canada's largest banks, this cozy environment has often rewarded investors who focus on laggards. Bank laggards tend to rebound. Last year, TD was the standout dog after its run-in with U.S. authorities. TD's stock fell 11 per cent in 2024, but has rebounded nearly 60 per cent this year.