How Will Data Breach News Affect Canadian Bank Stocks?

Will news of a data breach at Bank of Montreal (TSX:BMO) (NYSE:BMO) and Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (TSX:CM) (NYSE:CM) affect the TSX?

| More on:

technology

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s premium investing services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

With the TSX dominated by banking and financials, the recent news that two of Canada’s biggest banks may have been hit by hackers is more than a little worrying. On Monday, Bank of Montreal (TSX:BMO)(NYSE:BMO) and Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (TSX:CM)(NYSE:CM) both released statements announcing a possible hacking attack that stole tens of thousands of their customers’ data.

Will this news affect share prices? How about if the data breach is confirmed? And if shares in the affected banks take a tumble, will it impact the TSX? Let’s take a look at the likely outcomes.

An attack on data security is an attack on the TSX

Reuters noted that BMO was down 0.5% and CIBC down by 0.2% immediately following the joint statements. At the time of writing, BMO is down 0.85%, and CIBC is down 0.87%. It’s therefore fair to say that the share price is being affected by the news. The good news is that this represents a value opportunity for shrewd investors looking to snap up stock in key Canadian financials.

The bad news is that the timing isn’t great for the TSX as a whole. Look at any weighting of the TSX and you’ll see that it’s led by two famously defensive sectors: banking and mining. Now look at the recent news that oil prices are down, thanks to OPEC/Russia’s market manipulation, and you’ll probably conclude that an attack on the banking sector is pretty bad timing.

Will there be any long-term effects for the TSX?

A recent data analysis by Paul Bischoff published on the Comparitech website looked at data breaches incurred by 24 companies on the NYSE. It concluded that victims felt an average drop of 0.43% right after a breach, with companies going on to underperform for around 38 days. After that, share prices climb, but at a slower rate than before the breach.

The nature of the breach also affects the impact. In the case at hand, recovery will depend on whether BMO and/or CIBC confirm the breach and on what kind of data was stolen, such as email addresses or card details. Financial institutions tend to have steeper drops after a data breach, and their share prices take longer to normalize.

In terms of impact on the TSX, the current statements from BMO and CIBC are unlikely to have a large impact. However, this may change if and when the banks confirm details of the possible breach. If they report that it did in fact occur, and if account details of customers were stolen, then you can expect to see another dip in share prices. Again, not so great news if you’re one of their customers, but an opportunity will exist for discounted stock.

Any further news of the possible data breach is likely to be mitigated by the fact that no other banks have been affected. In the case of CIBC, only its subsidiary, Simplii Financial, was targeted, so the impact on CIBC’s share price may not be as steep as that of BMO. While any potential future attacks may have more of an effect on the TSX, the only lasting damage to the currently affected institutions might be customer churn.

The bottom line

It’s good to be philosophical when one of the biggest sectors on the stock exchange faces potential volatility. When two of them are facing volatility (such as OPEC/Russia’s manipulation of oil prices), the same is doubly true. To paraphrase Rudyard Kipling, now is the time to keep your head when all about you are losing theirs.

The takeaway? Look to the horizon and hold onto your stock in financials. The accepted wisdom is that data breaches don’t affect share prices for long. If anything, for big, defensive companies, data breaches may actually offer a brief value opportunity. So if you were thinking of investing in BMO and/or CIBC, go for it – neither bank is going anywhere any time soon.

Should you invest $1,000 in Fortis right now?

Before you buy stock in Fortis, consider this:

The Motley Fool Stock Advisor Canada analyst team just identified what they believe are the Top Stocks for 2025 and Beyond for investors to buy now… and Fortis wasn’t one of them. The Top Stocks that made the cut could potentially produce monster returns in the coming years.

Consider MercadoLibre, which we first recommended on January 8, 2014 ... if you invested $1,000 in the “eBay of Latin America” at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $20,697.16!*

Stock Advisor Canada provides investors with an easy-to-follow blueprint for success, including guidance on building a portfolio, regular updates from analysts, and two new stock picks each month – one from Canada and one from the U.S. The Stock Advisor Canada service has outperformed the return of S&P/TSX Composite Index by 29 percentage points since 2013*.

See the Top Stocks * Returns as of 3/20/25

This article represents the opinion of the writer, who may disagree with the “official” recommendation position of a Motley Fool premium service or advisor. We’re Motley! Questioning an investing thesis — even one of our own — helps us all think critically about investing and make decisions that help us become smarter, happier, and richer, so we sometimes publish articles that may not be in line with recommendations, rankings or other content.

Fool contributor Victoria Hetherington has no position in any of the stocks mentioned.

Confidently Navigate Market Volatility: Claim Your Free Report!

Feeling uneasy about the ups and downs of the stock market lately? You’re not alone. At The Motley Fool Canada, we get it — and we’re here to help. We’ve crafted an essential guide designed to help you through these uncertain times: "5-Step Checklist: How to Prepare Your Portfolio for Volatility."

Don't miss out on this opportunity for peace of mind. Just click below to learn how to receive your complimentary report today!

Get Our Free Report Today

More on Dividend Stocks

calculate and analyze stock
Dividend Stocks

Here’s How Many Shares of Brookfield Renewable You Should Own to Get $500 in Quarterly Dividends

If you want some dividends on deck, then consider this energy producer, which could provide that and more.

Read more »

TFSA (Tax free savings account) acronym on wooden cubes on the background of stacks of coins
Dividend Stocks

Here’s Exactly How $15,000 in a TFSA Could Grow Into $215,000

If you're looking to grow your $15,000 investment into $200,000, here's exactly how to get it done.

Read more »

A worker gives a business presentation.
Dividend Stocks

Navigating Economic Headwinds and Buying the Dip

If you're looking to get in on the markets, but fearful of the market dip, then here's how to navigate…

Read more »

Canadian Dollars bills
Dividend Stocks

A 10% Dividend Stock Paying Cash Every Month

This dividend stock doesn't only offer a massive income, but a variety of investments during this volatile period.

Read more »

TFSA (Tax-Free Savings Account) on wooden blocks and Canadian one hundred dollar bills.
Dividend Stocks

Income-generating Stocks That Could Accelerate Your TFSA Growth in 2025

Generate tax-free passive income in your TFSA with these two stocks and grow your wealth.

Read more »

woman looks out at horizon
Dividend Stocks

How I’d Invest $8,500 in Canadian Financial Services to Create a Wealth Legacy

Canada’s financial services sector can help you create a wealth legacy from a less than $10,000 investment.

Read more »

Person holding a smartphone with a stock chart on screen
Dividend Stocks

Is BCE Stock a Buy for its Dividend Yield?

BCE stock looks pretty appealing with a 12% dividend yield, but there's more to consider.

Read more »

Blocks conceptualizing Canada's Tax Free Savings Account
Dividend Stocks

TFSA: Invest $15,000 in This TSX Stock and Create $962.55 in Annual Passive Income

If there's one TSX stock to buy right now, it's this long-term hold that's been around for over 100 years!

Read more »