RBC CEO Dave McKay says bank well positioned as tariffs create uncertainty

Royal Bank of Canada chief executive Dave McKay says the bank may see near-term headwinds that drive lower-than-expected performance, but the bank is well positioned amid the current economic uncertainty.

McKay said at the big Canadian bank’s investor day that RBC has started to see some softening across some of its businesses.

He says lower interest rates are being offset by increased uncertainty created by tariffs and the impact that’s having on businesses and jobs.

In particular, McKay says commercial client sentiment has weakened as companies in some sectors are deferring investments until they have greater clarity on the impact of tariffs on their businesses.

However, he said this is the moment to unite the country behind a long-term economic agenda that boosts competition and drives prosperity.

U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order Wednesday to impose 25% tariffs on auto imports to the United States starting next week, but the cross-border integration of the industry is resulting in confusion over how that will play out.

The Canadian Press

The Canadian Press is a national news agency headquartered in Toronto and founded in 1917.