With the economy slowing and adding fewer jobs, banks are anticipating more consumers could default on credit-card payments and mortgages, hurting profits. "(Canadian banks) are running a little bit tighter in capital than they have in the past," said Adrienne Young, director of corporate credit research at Franklin Templeton Canada. "I don't see them having to go out and raise equity... I think the banks will use other tools in their toolbox before having to go and raise equity," said Maria Gabriella Khoury, analyst at credit-ratings agency Fitch. "They are doing that.. to make sure banks are holding more capital as we potentially head into a downturn," Colangelo said.

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Persons: Banks, Adrienne Young, Maria Gabriella Khoury, Fitch, Robert Colangelo, Colangelo, Anthony Visano, Nivedita Balu, Rod Nickel Organizations: TORONTO, Franklin Templeton, " Bank of Nova, Scotiabank, BMO, Equity, DSB, Royal Bank of Canada, RBC, HSBC Canada, Kingwest, Thomson Locations: Franklin Templeton Canada, " Bank of Nova Scotia, U.S, Toronto