There have been short-lived glimmers of bullishness over the past year, but the broader Canadian stock market does not have much to show for it. The S&P/TSX Composite Index has been on several runs of more than 5% in 2023 alone, but each time, the gains did not last for long.Â
Investing during volatile market periods
Volatility has certainly remained a key theme for investors this year. Many individual TSX stocks have had impressive rebound years in 2023, but the market as a whole continues to struggle to return to all-time highs, which were last set in early 2022.
While the market may be volatile today, itâs no reason for a long-term investor to be on the sidelines. The TSX remains ripe with opportunities.
If youâre looking to minimize the amount of risk and uncertainty in your portfolio, perhaps loading up growth stocks today isnât the right strategy for you. Instead, a dependable dividend-paying company may be a better fit.
Iâve reviewed two top dividend stocks that are perfect to own during uncertain market conditions. With neither company expecting a slowdown in demand anytime soon, thereâs almost never a bad time for a long-term investor to load up on these two stocks.
TSX stock #1: Brookfield Renewable Partners
Now could be an incredibly opportunistic time for long-term investors to be putting money to work in the renewable energy space. After a monster run in the second half of 2020, the sector has been on the decline since early 2021.
Those looking to gain exposure to the renewable energy sector cannot go wrong with Brookfield Renewable Partners (TSX:BEP.UN). As a global leader, the company provides instant diversification to the growing space.
Shares are down close to 40% from all-time highs. Still, the energy stock is up more than 70% over the past five years, easily outpacing the returns of the broader market. And thatâs not even including dividends.Â
At todayâs discounted stock price, Brookfield Renewable Partnersâs dividend has skyrocketed to above 5%.
TSX stock #2: Fortis
Investors looking to reduce the volatility and risk in their portfolios may want to consider a utility stock. Though it’s not a very exciting space to invest in, it sure is dependable.Â
Steady demand levels allow Fortisâs (TSX:FTS) stock price to stay away from high levels of volatility. Regardless of the economyâs condition, demand for utilities tends to remain fairly stable.
Excluding dividends, shares are about flat on the year and have returned just about the same amount as the broader Canadian stock market has over the past five years.
What Fortis provides that a broad-market index fund cannot are low levels of volatility and a 4% dividend yield.
Foolish bottom line
Donât let todayâs volatile market conditions keep you on the sidelines. In times of uncertainty, Iâd highly suggest investing in stocks that you donât need to worry about in the short term. Focus on companies that have long-term growth potential. Knowing that, youâll have a much easier time holding during inevitable pullbacks.
The post Got $2,500? 2 Top Stocks That You Can Buy and Hold for a Lifetime appeared first on The Motley Fool Canada.
Should You Invest $1,000 In Brookfield Renewable Partners?
Before you consider Brookfield Renewable Partners, you’ll want to hear this.
Our market-beating analyst team just revealed what they believe are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy in August 2023… and Brookfield Renewable Partners wasn’t on the list.
The online investing service they’ve run for nearly a decade, Motley Fool Stock Advisor Canada, is beating the TSX by 26 percentage points. And right now, they think there are 5 stocks that are better buys.
See the 5 Stocks
* Returns as of 8/16/23
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More reading
- TFSA Income and Total Returns: Should BCE or Fortis Be a Top Pick?
- Where to Invest $8,000 for Your FHSA
- 3 Top Dividend Stocks to Start a Growing Passive-Income Steam
- 3 Low-Volatility Stocks for Smoother Sailing
- Utility Stocks: Is Fortis or Emera a Buy?
Fool contributor Nicholas Dobroruka has positions in Brookfield Renewable Partners. The Motley Fool recommends Brookfield Renewable Partners and Fortis. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.