RBC Global Insight: February 2026
I am pleased to share the latest investment strategy report from RBC Wealth Management—Global Insight, which provides our current thoughts on asset classes, the economy, and timely issues that impact investment strategy. This month’s highlights include:
Big Tech AI expansion: From investment to scalable returns:
The AI investment cycle still has more runway ahead, but the prospect of a narrative shift toward monetization, return on investment, and enterprise applications strengthens the case for diversifying both within and beyond Big Tech to capture a broader set of opportunities.
Global equity: Earnings and the economy will tell the tale:
While we expect the major equity indexes will post further new highs in 2026, it’s not all a bed of roses. We examine the competing catalysts facing stock markets, and why an invested but watchful approach remains relevant.
Global fixed income: The year of the ‘bond vigilante’?:
The recent spike in Japanese bond yields has led to questions about the potential for large-scale sales of government bonds, with negative consequences for global markets. We do not believe the current episode portends a broader crisis, though investors should remain alert to potential impacts on both the Japanese market and the global economy.
2026 TFSA Contributions & RRSP Deadline
Tax Free Savings Account: You can now make your Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) contribution for 2026 (up to $7,000.00).
If you have not maximized your TFSA contributions in the past, you can also catch up on your 2009-2025 contributions. The maximum possible contribution room for all years (including 2026) is $109,000 (assuming you were at least age 18 in 2009).
RRSP Deadline: The RRSP contribution deadline for the 2025 tax year is March 2, 2026.
Your contribution limit for 2025 is 18% of your 2024 earned income, to a maximum of $32,490 with certain adjustments (e.g. less any Pension Adjustment appearing on your T4 tax slip and plus any unused contribution room carried forward from previous years). For your exact contribution limit, check your latest Notice of Assessment, Notice of Reassessment or T1028 form, or log on to your Canada Revenue Agency account at MyCRA
You can also make your 2026 contribution any time starting January 1, 2026 to benefit from additional tax-deferred compounding. The maximum RRSP contribution room you can earn for 2026 is $33,810.
Client Event: Longevity – Preparing for the Road Ahead
What you need to know about later-life health and wealth
Join us for an engaging, informative session on planning for your later life stages, presented by RBC Royal Trust and Elder Caring Inc. Our expert guest speakers will share actionable insights, along with resources and services available to you, your family and caregivers, to help ensure your years to come are informed, connected, secure, and in your control.
Date: Wednesday, March 11th, 2026
Time: Welcome Reception: 4:30pm
Presentation: 5:15pm – 6:00pm
Location:
RBC Vancouver Executive Dining Room & Lounge
1055 West Georgia Street, 36th Floor
Vancouver, BC
Guest Speakers:
Leanne Kaufman, President & CEO – RBC Royal Trust
Audrey Miller, Founder and Managing Director – Elder Care Inc.
Market Watch: Canadian Housing
Supply surge keeps Canadian house prices on a downtrend
Supply-demand conditions weakened further in most large Canadian markets as January unfolded. Potential buyers remained cautious despite elevated inventory giving them the upper hand. Severe winter weather likely contributed to the slowdown, with significant precipitation in several regions keeping prospective buyers on the sidelines.
Demand plummeted in several markets—particularly Vancouver and Fraser Valley, while Edmonton, Winnipeg and Saskatoon posted notably weak results. Toronto and Montreal continued to soften as well. Calgary and Regina were among the few outliers to see an increase in buying activity.
Insurance Solutions & Strategies
We understand that creating and effectively managing your wealth is just part of the equation. It's also important to preserve it. Through the use of insurance strategies, we can help you preserve your wealth during your lifetime, and protect the value of your estate for your family and other beneficiaries. Insurance strategies can also help you maximize the wealth you transfer to your heirs. Our team is pleased to offer a variety of insurance solutions to help you meet your goals, including:
- Term Insurance
- Whole and Universal Life Insurance
- Disability Insurance
- Segregated Funds
Please contact us today to learn more.
Complimentary Second Opinion Service
Helping your family build, manage and protect your wealth
If you’re a successful entrepreneur, part of a large family, or a high net-worth retiree / pre-retiree, you may have to manage financial issues that others don’t; This could include inheritances, assets in trust, complex tax planning, or a family vacation property. Perhaps you’d like to put your finances into greater context with your family’s savings, estate and business planning goals. Whatever your personal situation, we are here to help, with a comprehensive review that can ensure your wealth remains “all in the family.”
Our review process typically looks at both your investment portfolio and your overall wealth planning. This way, we can assess your financial situation in the context of your personal tax situation, savings goals, the time you have to invest and other factors such as your insurance coverage or charitable intentions.
This information is not investment advice and should be used only in conjunction with a discussion with your RBC Dominion Securities Inc. Investment Advisor. This will ensure that your own circumstances have been considered properly and that action is taken on the latest available information. The information contained herein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable at the time obtained but neither RBC Dominion Securities Inc. nor its employees, agents, or information suppliers can guarantee its accuracy or completeness. This report is not and under no circumstances is to be construed as an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities. This report is furnished on the basis and understanding that neither RBC Dominion Securities Inc. nor its employees, agents, or information suppliers is to be under any responsibility or liability whatsoever in respect thereof. The inventories of RBC Dominion Securities Inc. may from time to time include securities mentioned herein. RBC Dominion Securities Inc.* and Royal Bank of Canada are separate corporate entities which are affiliated. *Member-Canadian Investor Protection Fund. RBC Dominion Securities Inc. is a member company of RBC Wealth Management, a business segment of Royal Bank of Canada. ®Registered trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada. Used under licence. © 2026 RBC Dominion Securities Inc. All rights reserved.