The latest Market Talks from Dow Jones Newswires cover key financial services developments. Toronto-Dominion Bank's solid 2Q results show its U.S. franchise gaining momentum, with a return to loan growth driven by large corporate and commercial clients. TD plans to open 100 new U.S. branches by 2028, and KBW raised its target to C$187 from C$180, while the stock is up 0.3% at C$168.26.

EQB's acquisition of PC Financial should improve its forward outlook, according to Paul Holden of CIBC, despite making 3Q noisier. The deal enhances fee income and direct deposit growth potential, but uncertainty remains over credit losses on mortgages. Holden maintains an outperformer rating but lowers the target to C$154 from C$165, with shares down 1.7% to C$126.57.

Affirm is emerging as a standout in the buy now, pay later industry, per RBC Capital. The company benefits from strong gross merchandise volume growth and a resilient consumer base, with stable delinquencies and improving funding costs. Affirm's guidance for revenue less transaction costs margins exceeded projections, and shares surged 11% premarket after JPMorgan noted the growth isn't slowing.

Royal Bank of Canada's modest selloff post-3Q beat reflects "elevated expectations and very healthy valuation multiples," says Scotiabank's Mike Rizvanovic. Core cash EPS of C$4.28 beat estimates, driven by stronger top-line and lower expenses, but concerns over NIM and NII trajectory offset positives. India's economy likely grew 7.5% on year in April-June, slowing from 7.8%, but still outperforming regional peers.