Retail sales rebound to start 2026 with January gains.

Statistics Canada’s advance estimate shows retail receipts rose 1.5% in January after a weak end to 2025; December had a 0.4% decline led by motor vehicle and parts dealers.

Canadian retail sales are reported to be rebounding at the start of 2026, driven by an estimated 1.5 per cent rise in receipts for retailers in January. This follows tepid growth of 0.1 per cent in the fourth quarter and a 0.4 per cent decline in December, when motor vehicle and parts dealers led the drop. The retail update appears alongside other finance stories drawing attention, including developments in the U.S. private credit market, a proposed budget amendment on bank fraud repayments, and a legal notice between two major mining firms. These items together highlight shifts in consumer activity, pension exposure, regulatory discussion, and corporate disputes. What we know: - Statistics Canada’s advance estimate shows retail receipts rose 1.5 per cent in January 2026. - Retail sales grew 0.1 per cent in Q4 2025 and fell 0.4 per cent in December 2025, with motor vehicle and parts dealers cited as a major factor in the December decline. - Blue Owl Capital permanently restricted withdrawals from a retail-focused debt fund and sold a US$1.4 billion loan portfolio, with buyers reported to include Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System and British Columbia Investment Management Corp. - The private credit market is reported as having grown to roughly $3 trillion globally, and some observers have expressed concerns about borrower defaults and investor vulnerability. - The Bloc Québécois is proposing an amendment to the federal budget bill that would require banks to reimburse customers who experience fraud; reported fraud totaled more than $540 million in the first nine months of 2025. - Newmont has filed a notice of default against Barrick, alleging mismanagement in their Nevada joint venture and saying resources were diverted to Barrick’s Fourmile project; Barrick has disputed the claims and said comments are limited by the joint venture agreement. Summary: The January reading suggests retail activity may be picking up after a weak close to 2025, while separate stories are drawing attention to potential risks and policy changes in finance and corporate governance. Pension involvement in a U.S. private credit transaction, a proposed bank reimbursement amendment, and Newmont’s notice against Barrick are all ongoing developments that could influence markets and policy discussions. Undetermined at this time.