Market Crash 2.0: The 2nd Dip Is Coming

Another market crash is coming. The chances are that it won’t be as sharp as the first one, but stocks might dip just as low or even lower. You can cherry-pick great companies.

| More on:
Arrow descending on a graph

Image source: Getty Images.

The TSX is going down. It’s not tumbling down as it did in August, but that’s because the fear and sell-off frenzies haven’t built enough momentum yet. The market is being pulled down by the weight of a poorly performing underlying economy that might shut down for a second time this year. It’s difficult to predict what kind of dip we would see.

The recovery hit its peak in late August. From there on, the S&P/TSX Composite Index has fallen over 6.5%. Though not every sector is not moving with the same “vigor.” The energy sector has been going down since June, and the capped energy index is 31% lower than its June peak. Tech has also taken a sharp turn down, while the real estate is relatively very steady.

Since the crash is coming, even if it’s not as uniformly distributed or as sharp as the last one, the chances are that many stocks would tumble down. This means that you should be looking at great companies that are about to become dirt cheap, or at least reasonably priced.

A tech company

The tech sector already hit a bump in September; now, it’s also the sector that’s seeing the sharpest fall. Even the aristocrats of the sector are having trouble. Open Text (TSX:OTEX)(NASDAQ:OTEX) stock is already trading at a price of 21% lower than its September peak. Open Text is a pretty decent growth stock and has increased its dividends for seven consecutive years.

Usually, it’s a bit overpriced. And when that doesn’t get you explosive growth or generous dividends, the valuation is usually not worth it. But if the stock keeps going down, it might become too attractive to ignore.

An industrial stock

IBI Group (TSX:IBG) is not falling yet. This Toronto-based, $203 million market-cap company showed amazing recovery in the last market crash. If it can replicate its previous recovery and explosive growth pattern, you can double your money in a matter of months. At its highest point in October, the company was trading at a price of almost 150% higher than its lowest point in March.

In the last 30 days, the stock has only dropped about 7.8% of its valuation. That’s not enough to make it a buy yet, but it’s a start. If you keep tracking that stock and buy at or near its lowest valuation, you can buy it for rapid, short-term gains. It might not be a good fit as a long-term holding.

IBI is a technology-driven design-firm that focuses on creating architectural designs for futuristic, sustainable structures and environments.

Foolish takeaway

If another market crash is coming, a lot of new stocks might become very attractively valued. And if you don’t want to get bogged down by too many choices, you might want to start narrowing your list down now. Diversification is a good idea, but if you can find three great companies to invest in, there is no reason to dilute your stock to invest in three mediocre ones just for the sake of diversification.

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 Adam Othman has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Open Text and OPEN TEXT CORP.

More on Dividend Stocks

Businessman holding tablet and showing a growing virtual hologram of statistics, graph and chart with arrow up on dark background. Stock market. Business growth, planning and strategy concept
Dividend Stocks

TFSA Magic: Earn Enormous Passive Income That the CRA Can’t Touch

If you're seeking out passive income, with zero taxes involved, then get on board with a TFSA and this portfolio…

Read more »

Man with no money. Businessman holding empty wallet
Dividend Stocks

2 Stocks Under $50 New Investors Can Confidently Buy

There are some great stocks under $50 that every investor needs to know about. Here’s a look at two great…

Read more »

think thought consider
Dividend Stocks

Down 10.88%: Is ATD Stock a Good Buy After Earnings?

Alimentation Couche-Tard (TSX:ATD) stock might not be the easy buy-case it once was. Here’s a look at what happened.

Read more »

money cash dividends
Dividend Stocks

TFSA Dividend Stocks: Earn $1,200/Year Tax-Free

Canadian stocks like Fortis are a must-have in your portfolio to earn tax-free yields for decades.

Read more »

sale discount best price
Dividend Stocks

1 Dividend Stock Down 11 Percent to Buy Right Now

Do you want a great dividend stock down 11% that can provide years of growth potential? Here's one heavily discounted…

Read more »

Growth from coins
Dividend Stocks

1 Grade A Dividend Stock Down 11% to Buy and Hold Forever 

If you're looking for the right dividend stock at the right price, you're going to want to consider this insurance…

Read more »

Target. Stand out from the crowd
Dividend Stocks

2 Dividend Stocks to Double Up on Right Now

Are you looking for dividend stocks to buy right now? Here are two top picks!

Read more »

edit Taxes CRA
Dividend Stocks

Tax Time: How to Keep More of Your Money

Nearly everyone hates paying taxes, although Canadians can lessen the financial pain with the right tax strategies.

Read more »