How to Build a “Canadian Barbell” Portfolio With TSX Stocks

Stocks like Air Canada (TSX:AC) are ripe for contrarian upside over the short term. Here’s how to balance the risk in a barbell-type portfolio.

edit Business accounting concept, Business man using calculator with computer laptop, budget and loan paper in office.

Image source: Getty Images

There are almost as many ways to invest as there are investors. Some exist at the low-risk, long-term end of the spectrum. Others pack short-term momentum and operate within narrow financial horizons. One way to mix a bit of both worlds is to build a “barbell portfolio” using stocks from either end of the risk spectrum. Such a portfolio consists of steep, short-term growth counterweighted with slow, steady wealth creation.

The beaten-up short-term picks

Many cannabis stocks can fit in this category. Then again, so can many tech names. But perhaps the most upside potential in the shortest amount of time could come from areas hardest hit by the pandemic. A speedy V-shaped market recovery would see key stocks in real estate, especially REITs, rallying the hardest. Other sectors, most notably airlines, are likely to rally alongside them.

Canadians looking to build a barbell portfolio out of TSX stocks should consider adding names such as Air Canada and CAPREIT to the risky, short-term end of the barbell. Air Canada is the perfect contrarian play at the moment.

This is a severely beaten-up stock in one of the most unpopular pandemic-impacted sectors. However, this is what makes it a play for steep short-term growth in the event of a V-shaped recession.

The solid, long-term stocks

Restaurant Brands is likely to outperform no matter the market reaction to forthcoming COVID-19 news. In the worst case scenario, Restaurant Brands represents a defensive consumer staples pick recommended for recession investing. Conversely, a V-shaped recovery is also likely to see the fast food magnate thrive. In summary, Restaurant Brands is a win-win for concerned investors.

Another long-term play perfectly suited to the low-risk end of a barbell portfolio would be CN Rail. This exemplary freight stock also packs energy upside via its crude-by-rail initiative. While hydrocarbons in themselves belong at the risky end of a portfolio, crude-by-rail offers a reduced exposure play on an oil price recovery.

One other energy investment theme carrying lower risk in the energy space also brings with it some of the greater upside potential. This theme is the global clean energy growth trend. Investors can confidently stack shares in names like Algonquin Power & Utilities and Northland Power for a mix of upside and passive income in the green economy space over the longer term.

A word of caution on the green growth trend, though: Growth through partnerships is a source of expansion for any burgeoning industry. The kibosh on conferences joins cheap electricity as one of the most serious setbacks for green power mid-pandemic.

This two-tiered threat could undermine the steep growth on offer in renewables. However, this theme still outweighs the risk rampant in hydrocarbons over the long-term.

Timing the current market is next to impossible. However, there are definitely ways to secure one’s portfolio in the midst of all the turbulence. Investors may find that recession investing is still advisable, and that the rallies may be coming too soon.

While this may weaken the case for buying oversold stocks, though, the upside potential in pandemic-impacted sectors is still strong for shorter-term gains.

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. 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 and RESTAURANT BRANDS INTERNATIONAL INC.

More on Dividend Stocks

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 »

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 »

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 »

You Should Know This
Dividend Stocks

How to Convert a $300 Monthly Investment Into $338 in Monthly Income

If you want a certain amount in monthly passive income, invest a similar amount today and leave the rest to…

Read more »

Increasing yield
Dividend Stocks

3 Income Stocks With Big Yields to Consider in April 2024

If you haven’t yet made your March investments, here are three income stocks to buy the dip and lock in…

Read more »

Senior Man Sitting On Sofa At Home With Pet Labrador Dog
Dividend Stocks

RRSP Investors: Don’t Miss Out on This Contribution Hack!

This hack has so many benefits for you -- not just when you put it in your RRSP but for…

Read more »

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

Passive Income: 2 Safe Dividend Stocks to Own for the Next 10 Years

Dividend stocks such as Manulife and Fortis can help you generate a stable and recurring passive-income stream.

Read more »

Young woman sat at laptop by a window
Dividend Stocks

3 Dividend Stocks Everyone Should Own for the Long Haul

For investors looking for top-tier dividend stocks to buy and hold for the long term, here are three of my…

Read more »