The TSX Is on Fire, but a Market Crash Could Be Looming

The stock market is on fire, although the environment is far from stable. Two stocks, however, are beating the broad market. The Ballard Power Systems stock and Trillium Therapeutics stock are among the TSX’s top-performers.

| More on:

The Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) slid less than 1% week-on-week on July 24, 2020 and is still on fire. Canada’s main stock market is down by just 6.24% year-to-date at 15,997.10. However, the financial circle is still fearful of another crash that could bring the house down.

Lockdowns appear to be over, but factors other than COVID-19 are adding to the instability. Tensions between the world’s two largest economies are not decreasing, while a political storm is brewing as the U.S. presidential elections draw near.

Investors are hoping the TSX can live through the threats and avoid the carnage. Ballard Power Systems (TSX:BLDP)(NASDAQ:BLDP) and Trillium Therapeutics (TSX:TRIL)(NASDAQ:TRIL) are two of the top-performing TSX stocks. Both are outperforming the general market by a mile. Market analysts are recommending a buy rating.

Power your portfolio

Ballard Power is a pioneer in fuel cell power, and the shares of this $5.19 billion company are on a roll. The year-to-date gain is 129.42%. Had you invested $10,000 on year-end 2019, your money would be worth $22,942 today. People are excited over Ballard because it has the power to change the world for the better.

The Burnaby, Canada-based company is the provider of innovative clean energy and fuel cell solutions. Countries require heavy-duty modules, fuel cell stacks, backup power systems, material handling products, technology solutions and technology transfer services.

Ballard operates a niche business that offers profit opportunities for all types of investors. In about 10 years, it will be cheaper to run a fuel cell electric vehicle than a battery electric vehicle or an internal combustion engine vehicle for commercial vehicle applications. From an emissions perspective, it should be good for mother earth.

Terrific momentum

Trillium Therapeutics is a revelation in the health sector. Investors are delighted by the biotech’s stock performance in 2020. Thus far, the gain is 672.93%. Had you invested $5,000 on December 31, 2019, the value of your investment in the present is $38,646.50.

This $857.73 million clinical-stage immuno-oncology company from Mississauga, Canada, develops therapies for cancer treatment.  Trillium focuses on strengthening the human body’s innate immune system. The latter is the first line of defence against tumour cells.

Biotech stocks are risky investments, but successful clinical trials of lead drug candidates could result in massive returns. Aside from the risk of failure, these firms must overcome several FDA or Health Canada regulations.

Trillium’s lead drug candidates are TTI-621 (B- and T-cells lymphomas, other blood cancers) and TT1-622 (lymphoma, myeloma). This pair is a promising pipeline, which should be a big win if both pull through and achieve desired clinical trial results. If you want a health stock with a terrific momentum, Trillium is the one.

Shaky landscape

The turnaround of U.S. stock markets and across the border in Canada is remarkable following a horrendous first quarter. However, the coast is not yet clear.

COVID-19 hasn’t left and continues to threaten public health and the economy. Keep your fingers crossed that the situation doesn’t worsen.

Fool contributor Christopher Liew has no position in any of the stocks mentioned.

More on Investing

person on phone leaning against outside wall with scenic view at airbnb rental property
Dividend Stocks

2 Canadian Stocks With 5% Dividend Yields

These stocks offer good dividend yields for income investors.

Read more »

space ship model takes off
Stocks for Beginners

The Absolute Best Canadian Stocks to Buy and Hold Forever in a TFSA

These two proven Canadian companies are still growing, even as their stocks haven’t seen much appreciation of late.

Read more »

woman considering the future
Stocks for Beginners

Here’s What Retirement Savings Often Look Like for Canadians at 55

At 55, national “average” balances matter less than how much income your assets can reliably produce.

Read more »

workers walk through an office building
Stocks for Beginners

3 Undervalued Stocks to Buy Before the Crowd Catches On

These three TSX stocks are posting encouraging results while building businesses that could attract greater investor attention over time.

Read more »

dividend stocks are a good way to earn passive income
Dividend Stocks

I’d Buy This TFSA Stock to Deliver $42 in Monthly Income

This monthly dividend stock could help your TFSA generate reliable income today while offering long-term upside as its valuation gap…

Read more »

A woman stands on an apartment balcony in a city
Dividend Stocks

Here’s What the Typical Canadian’s TFSA Balance Looks Like at 60

A $45,000 TFSA at age 60 isn’t “done," many Canadians still have plenty of room to build it before 65.

Read more »

Investor wonders if it's safe to buy stocks now
Dividend Stocks

How I’d Use a $24,000 TFSA to Collect $58 Every Month

These two Canadian dividend stocks could help you earn regular cash while building long-term TFSA wealth.

Read more »

Retirees sip their morning coffee outside.
Dividend Stocks

A Canadian Dividend Stock Down 34% I’d Buy for Retirement Income

Nutrien’s 35% drop from its 2022 high could offer upside plus income, but only if fertilizer fundamentals keep improving.

Read more »