Long-Term Investors: The Number 1 Mistake You’ll Want to Avoid in 2020

Finding companies to add to your portfolio that you have confidence in for the long run will be key in 2020, such as Canadian National Railway Co (TSX:CNR)(NYSE:CNI).

| More on:
Knowledge concept with quote written on wooden blocks

Image source: Getty Images

Going into 2020, we are getting to the point where the volatility and uncertainty is bound to heat up. Almost everyone agrees we are due for a recession, having gone more than a decade since the last one and with global debt at unprecedented levels.

What can’t be predicted, though, is when it will actually happen and how severe it will be.

That goes for the corresponding market crash, which is always exaggerated due to the increased fear in the market and absence of any real buyers.

Market crashes are what investors fear most, but no matter what, the main thing you must avoid at all costs is panicking.

Panicking is just about the worst thing you can do, and although it sounds easy ahead of time, as you watch your wealth disappear in real time, it may not be so straightforward.

It’s important to avoid panicking though, because it will only cause you to want to sell your stocks and save what you have left, but in reality, all you are doing is selling your stocks at the absolute worst time.

Instead, you should own a portfolio of high-quality companies that you believe in long term, as well as having a decent cash position, to take advantage of any bargains you find in the case of a market crash.

Two top Canadian companies that are examples of the kind of stock you’ll never have to sell are Canadian National Railway (TSX:CNR)(NYSE:CNI) and Royal Bank of Canada (TSX:RY)(NYSE:RY).

Canadian National

CNR is the largest railway in Canada and one of the largest in North America. It is a critical component to our economy, which was evidenced just recently when a short eight-day strike impacted tonnes of different industries across the country.

It’s clear that CNR is a mainstay of our economy and is extremely important to almost every industry across Canada.

Rail is the most efficient and cost-effective way to transport almost any type of good, which is why it has such a huge importance in our economy and why it’s the perfect stock to own forever.

CNR especially is ideal because not only is it the largest railway in Canada, but it’s extremely well run and efficient.

It consistently posts return on equity above 20% and has been growing its revenue by more than 4% a year in the last three years.

4% doesn’t sound like a whole lot, but given that CNR is a massive company with an enterprise value just shy of $100 billion, 4% is quite significant.

It also pays a dividend that yields 1.85% and has a payout ratio of just 35%.

Royal Bank

RBC is the largest bank in Canada in what many consider to be one of the safest and most resilient environments for banks in the world.

It’s been an incredible stock for long-term investors over the years, with its share price up nearly 85% over the last decade, which doesn’t even include the returns investors have seen from dividends.

Royal Bank is an ideal stock for investors seeking a growing dividend, which is why it’s included in the Canadian Dividend Aristocrats list.

Since 2014, its dividend has been increased by nearly 50%, all the while Royal Bank has kept its payout ratio extremely consistent at roughly 45%.

Today, its dividend yields roughly 4%, which is pretty rewarding for investors while you hold the stock long term.

The company has been managing a tougher operating environment well and showing how resilient its portfolio is with only minor reductions in net interest margins and a manageable amount of increases to its provision for credit losses.

Going forward, it’s going to be a great long-term hold and given the pullback the shares have had in the last week, now seems like the perfect time to gain some exposure.

Bottom line

The number one thing to do if you want to avoid the temptation to panic sell is to build your portfolio up now with stocks you are confident in for at least the next 10 years.

If you assemble a high-quality portfolio today, with stocks that you know you are confident in, if problems do eventually arise, you will have a much easier time ignoring the noise and focusing on your long-term strategy of building wealth.

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 Daniel Da Costa has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. David Gardner owns shares of Canadian National Railway. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Canadian National Railway. The Motley Fool recommends Canadian National Railway.

More on Dividend Stocks

thinking
Dividend Stocks

Should You Buy BCE Stock for its 8.6% Dividend Yield?

Down over 20% from all-time highs, BCE stock offers you a tasty dividend yield in 2024. But is the TSX…

Read more »

grow dividends
Dividend Stocks

How Long Would It Take to Turn $20,000 Into $100,000 With TSX Dividend Stocks?

Here's how high-quality TSX dividend stocks and the power of compound interest can help grow your investments by 400% or…

Read more »

Paper airplanes flying on blue sky with form of growing graph
Dividend Stocks

2 Soaring Stocks I’d Buy Now With No Hesitation

These two stocks may be the most expensive on the market, but they're high for a reason! And I'm still…

Read more »

Hour glass and calendar concept for time slipping away for important appointment date, schedule and deadline
Dividend Stocks

Invest $374.50 Each Month to Create Passive Income of $288 in 2024

Investing a specific amount each month to create passive income this year is possible with monthly dividend payers.

Read more »

Happy retirement
Dividend Stocks

2 Stocks to Help Turn $100,000 Into $1 Million

If you want to reach $1 million, $100,000 can certainly get you there. Even if you invest in some low…

Read more »

warning or alert
Dividend Stocks

Income Alert: These Stocks Just Raised Their Dividends

There's no shortage of companies that raised their dividends recently. Here's a trio of options to consider buying now.

Read more »

Business success with growing, rising charts and businessman in background
Dividend Stocks

Don’t Look Now, But These 3 TSX Stocks Look Poised for a Nice Rally 

Three TSX stocks are in a downtrend amid headwinds. 2024 may be rocky for them, but they are poised for…

Read more »

protect, safe, trust
Dividend Stocks

3 Safe Dividend Stocks to Beat Inflation

These three dividend stocks are excellent buys to beat inflation, given their solid underlying businesses and high yields.

Read more »