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

arrows hit bullseye on target
Dividend Stocks

2 Dividend Stocks That Belong in Almost Every Investor’s Portfolio

These three dividend stocks belong in any investment portfolio.

Read more »

pig shows concept of sustainable investing
Investing

What the Typical 40-Year-Old Canadian Has in Their TFSA and RRSP

Enbridge (TSX:ENB) could be a great play for TFSA and RRSP investors looking to invest more of the cash hoard.

Read more »

diversification and asset allocation are crucial investing concepts
Dividend Stocks

TFSA Income: 2 Dividend Stocks to Hold for the Next 20 Years

These stock should be attractive picks for buy-and-hold dividend investors.

Read more »

Investor reading the newspaper
Dividend Stocks

BCE’s Dividend Has Been Getting a Lot of Attention: Here’s Why

Long-term investors could investigate BCE as an income play with multi-year turnaround potential.

Read more »

data analyze research
Dividend Stocks

TFSA at 60: 2 Dividend Stocks to Help Any Canadian Catch Up

Build a stronger TFSA at 60 with two dependable Canadian dividend stocks offering income, stability, and long-term growth potential.

Read more »

bank of canada governor tiff macklem
Bank Stocks

The Bank of Canada Just Spoke: 2 Canadian Stocks I’d Buy Before Rates Fall Further

With Canadians carrying $1.80 of debt for every after-tax dollar earned, interest rates could shape both borrowers and TSX returns.

Read more »

senior man and woman stretch their legs on yoga mats outside
Retirement

Reaching Retirement: Here’s the Typical TFSA Balance for Canadians Approaching 60

You can build a substantial TFSA as a part of your retirement planning strategy. Start by maximizing your TFSA contributions.

Read more »

man touches brain to show a good idea
Dividend Stocks

2 Dividend Stocks That Look Built for the Rate Pause

These high-quality dividend stocks offer attractive yields, dependable income, and protection against inflation.

Read more »