Market recovery drives trading volumes higher and boosts commissions for brokers and investors
Canada’s equity trading market has staged a notable comeback, with stronger market performance and rising trading volumes helping revive activity for both investors and brokerage firms.
After several subdued years, trading in Canadian equities picked up significantly in 2025 according to new research from Crisil Coalition Greenwich. It shows the market delivered gains of nearly 30% during the year, while trading volumes jumped 36%. Broker commissions tied to Canadian equity trades also increased 6% compared with the previous year.
The resurgence represents a clear shift for a market that had struggled to generate momentum in the years following the pandemic.
“Trading desks are again being considered as enablers of alpha rather than cost centers,” says Jesse Forster, Senior Analyst in Market Structure & Technology at Crisil Coalition Greenwich and author of Canadian equity market trends 2025: Comfort is key to provider selection.
The increase in trading activity translated into stronger revenues for brokers. Total commissions paid on trades involving Canadian equities reached roughly $505 million in 2025, marking the highest level since 2021.
A strong performance from Canada’s benchmark index helped fuel the revival. The S&P/TSX Composite Index gained about 29% during the year and recorded numerous new highs, encouraging renewed engagement from institutional investors and buy-side trading desks.
As market conditions improved, trading desks on the buy side also began to regain strategic importance. With higher turnover and better liquidity, desks are increasingly being viewed as contributors to portfolio performance rather than simply operational expenses.
The renewed trading environment reflects a broader improvement in market sentiment toward Canadian equities. Stronger index performance and greater trading activity have created conditions that support both investment strategies and execution quality.
For the Canadian equity ecosystem, the rebound marks a period of renewed opportunity—benefiting brokers facilitating trades and investors seeking returns in a more active market.
