How Will Tuesday’s Federal Budget Affect Stocks?

The federal government might introduce targeted tax measures aimed at hard-hit companies in the energy sector, like Nexen Energy ULC (TSX:NXY)(NYSE:NXY) and Talisman Energy Inc. (TSX:TLM)(NYSE:TLM).

The Motley Fool

Federal budgets are traditionally political documents and usually have little impact on stock markets. However, the Conservative government could push through some targeted tax measures that may affect stocks as it attempts to bring down a balanced budget on April 21.

Tax tinkering

Ottawa has strongly hinted that it will double the annual contribution limit to tax-free savings accounts (TFSAs) to $11,000 from the current $5,500. Since TFSAs can hold a number of financial products, including securities and mutual funds, doubling the limit could encourage market investing in a general sense.

The TFSA change is not without its critics. In February the Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO) said doubling TFSA limits is “regressive” and its benefits “skew to higher income, higher wealth and older households.”

The PBO report concluded that the wealthiest 20% of Canadians would be the main beneficiaries of higher contribution room. That’s because the majority of low- to middle-income Canadians already have plenty of unused RRSP and TFSA contribution room, meaning they can’t take full advantage of such tax breaks.

Targeted measures

Finance Minister Joe Oliver could also introduce some targeted tax measures to help out the energy industry, which has been hard hit by the recent collapse in oil prices.

There have been widespread spending cuts across the oil patch since crude prices began to decline late last year. In March Nexen Energy ULC (TSX:NXY)(NYSE:NXY) said that it was cutting 400 jobs, including 340 positions in North America and 60 in the United Kingdom. Talisman Energy Inc. (TSX:TLM)(NYSE:TLM) said it was reducing its workforce by 10-15%, or as many as 200 jobs.

Kim Moody of law firm Moodys Gartner says the government could continue to tinker with the capital cost allowance (CCA) regime to incentivize certain companies to continue to make targeted capital investments during the economic decline.

“Many small businesses in Alberta have been significantly impacted by the decline in activity in the oil patch,” Moody wrote in a recent commentary. “Given such, the Conservatives may be included to adjust the ‘business limit’ with respect to the small business deduction.

“At the moment, Canadian controlled private corporations (CCPCs), together with associated corporations of the CCPC, are able to benefit from a low rate of corporate tax (currently, the combined federal and Alberta provincial rate is 14%) on the first $500,000 of profits generated from an active business carried on in Canada. Would it surprise me to see a phased-in increase of the business limit to $750,000? No, it would not.”

Moody says other measures to assist the oil patch might include a reduction in employment insurance premiums, or investment tax credits for certain capital purchases.

Meanwhile, accounting and tax firm KPMG is also recommending extending the accelerated CCA or creating a similar tax incentive. “The government may explore the possibility of extending the accelerated CCA in order for some Canadian industries, such as manufacturing, energy and clean technology, to achieve a competitive advantage in North America,” KPMG said in its budget preview.

Ottawa has also pledged to balance the budget perhaps as early as the current fiscal year. That might have a positive effect on the Canadian dollar, but will likely have little direct influence on stocks.

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 Doug Watt has no position in any stocks mentioned.

More on Investing

Two seniors float in a pool.
Dividend Stocks

TFSA: How to Earn $1,890 in Annual Tax-Free Income

Plunk these investments into your TFSA to earn passive income and avoid the taxman.

Read more »

grow dividends
Investing

Here’s My Top 3 TSX Stocks to Buy Right Now

Even though the TSX has been rising, there are still some good bargains out there. Here are three top compounding…

Read more »

Target. Stand out from the crowd
Investing

Prediction: This Canadian Growth Stock Could Double by 2030

Alimentation Couche-Tard (TSX:ATD) is a top growth stock that could do well over the next six or so years.

Read more »

Businessman holding AI cloud
Tech Stocks

Could Investing $20,000 in Nvidia Make You a Millionaire?

Nvidia stock has made investors millionaires in the last 10 years. Is it too late to invest to become a…

Read more »

Engineers walk through a facility.
Dividend Stocks

1 TSX Stock I Wouldn’t Touch With a 10-Foot Pole

AtkinsRéalis (TSX:ATRL) is one TSX stock I'd never invest in.

Read more »

money cash dividends
Stocks for Beginners

Have $500? 3 Absurdly Cheap Stocks Long-Term Investors Should Buy Right Now

If you're looking for cheap stocks, these three have a huge future ahead of them, all while costing far less…

Read more »

edit Woman in skates works on laptop
Dividend Stocks

3 No-Brainer Stocks to Buy Under $30

These three stocks all offer a huge deal for investors looking for dividends, as well as growth that will last.

Read more »

Business man on stock market financial trade indicator background.
Tech Stocks

1 Growth Stock Down 50 Percent to Buy Right Now

There are plenty of growth stocks in the market worth considering, but Shopify (TSX:SHOP) looks like one of the best…

Read more »