The Globe and Mail reports in its Friday edition that three of Canada's big banks capped a week of first-quarter earnings marked by a string of surging profits even as trade uncertainty looms. The Globe's Stefanie Marotta writes that RBC, TD and CIBC all reported earnings Thursday that beat analysts' expectations. The lenders have largely shrugged off concerns over geopolitical and trade tensions. The banks have been on similar journeys, restructuring their businesses to reduce costs and making their operations more efficient through technology and artificial intelligence. While demand for mortgages as well as consumer and business loans has waned, market volatility has spurred activity in trading in capital markets and wealth management. Those factors converged in the first quarter, launching a strong start to the year for the sector. Even as uncertainty over tariffs and the fate of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement underpin concerns over loan losses, senior bankers say Canada's attempts to bolster its economy and diversify its trade partners should provide opportunities for growth throughout 2026. There is optimism over Ottawa's efforts to increase defence spending and build energy and critical minerals infrastructure.