3 Ways to Reduce Risk in Your Canadian Stock Portfolio

Badger Daylighting Ltd. (TSX: BAD) and two other stocks may be getting overlooked by investors seeking secure stocks ahead of a downturn.

| More on:
Businessmen teamwork brainstorming meeting.

Image source: Getty Images

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 moresdf

When a global investment management firm like Goldman Sachs starts getting cold feet about the U.S.-China trade outlook, it’s probably time to start taking notice. “We expect tariffs targeting the remaining $300 billion of U.S. imports from China to go into effect,” the bank has warned clients, essentially nixing the idea of a Sino-American trade deal before late 2020.

Fear is stalking the markets, and the prospect of a U.S.-led recession is starting to gain mainstream attention.

Three “safe” areas to keep your wealth protected

A darkening outlook for the global economy will have investors reaching for gold and utilities, but are they overlooking the wonderful stock that is Badger Daylighting (TSX: BAD)?

Tedium is king in a turbulent economy, and this excavation ticker fits the bill just right. Having gleaned an extra 30% of upside since May, and packing a recession-ready punch with its extremely healthy balance sheet and great outlook.

Add this stock to a recession portfolio not only for its for its dividend yield of 1.38%, but also for its huge growth potential in the United States.

For a mix of defensive passive income and a penetrating business model, Badger Daylighting is a solid buy that could weather even a fairly severe downturn.

From food to finance, these sectors are solid

While regulated utility stocks are a go-to for spooked investors, agri supplies may get overlooked despite the fact that people still need to eat during a recession.

That’s why Nutrien (TSX: NTR)(NYSE:NTR) is a top choice for a downturn-hardy stock portfolio. Pumping out 26 million tons of potash, nitrogen and phosphate, the mining-cum-food stock also represents over 1500 retail outlets spread across seven countries.

A dividend is on offer, meaning that investors taking a long position can cream the passive income (to the tune of 3.57%) while waiting to cash in.

Being diversified across its mining and retail operations, Nutrien can offer a bit of extra stability to spooked investors looking for a stock to hide – and grow – their cash during even a potentially deep correction.

Money makes the world go round, as they say, and the planet won’t simply stop turning just because the markets have crashed.

That’s why big business is pretty much always a good area to invest in, with global holding companies like Power Financial (TSX: PWF) exhibiting enough clout to keep your wealth relatively safe even when the wolves are at the door.

From Great-West Life to IGM Financial, Power Financial’s holdings represent some of the very best investments that can be made in the world of Canadian finance.

The bottom line

At the end of the day, investment is often an emotionally-driven pursuit, and one’s disposition towards the future has a large bearing on how individuals purchase shares on the TSX.

There could well be a tipping point on the horizon that will demarcate the transition into a bear market, and with the threat of recession becoming a mainstream concern, investors will have to check what they’re holding and ask one question: Do you feel lucky?

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. Nutrien and Badger Daylighting are recommendations of Stock Advisor Canada.

More on Dividend Stocks

growing plant shoots on stacked coins
Dividend Stocks

5 Dividend Stocks to Buy With Yields Upwards of 5%

These five companies all earn tonnes of cash flow, making them some of the best long-term dividend stocks you can…

Read more »

funds, money, nest egg
Dividend Stocks

TFSA Investors: 3 Stocks to Start Building an Influx of Passive Income

A TFSA is the ideal registered account for passive income, as it doesn't weigh down your tax bill, and any…

Read more »

A red umbrella stands higher than a crowd of black umbrellas.
Dividend Stocks

3 of the Safest Dividend Stocks in Canada

Royal Bank of Canada stock is one of the safest TSX dividend stocks to buy. So is CT REIT and…

Read more »

Growing plant shoots on coins
Dividend Stocks

1 of the Top Canadian Growth Stocks to Buy in February 2023

Many top Canadian growth stocks represent strong underlying businesses, healthy financials, and organic growth opportunities.

Read more »

stock research, analyze data
Dividend Stocks

Wherever the Market Goes, I’m Buying These 3 TSX Stocks

Here are three TSX stocks that could outperform irrespective of the market direction.

Read more »

woman data analyze
Dividend Stocks

1 Oversold Dividend Stock (Yielding 6.5%) to Buy This Month

Here's why SmartCentres REIT (TSX:SRU.UN) is one top dividend stock that long-term investors should consider in this current market.

Read more »

IMAGE OF A NOTEBOOK WITH TFSA WRITTEN ON IT
Dividend Stocks

Better TFSA Buy: Enbridge Stock or Bank of Nova Scotia

Enbridge and Bank of Nova Scotia offer high yields for TFSA investors seeking passive income. Is one stock now undervalued?

Read more »

Golden crown on a red velvet background
Dividend Stocks

2 Top Stocks Just Became Canadian Dividend Aristocrats

These two top Canadian Dividend Aristocrats stocks are reliable companies with impressive long-term growth potential.

Read more »