3 Solid Companies to Buy Amid Stock Market Turmoil

The stock market has regained momentum after a slight slump, but it might just be an indication of coming fluctuations, so anchor your portfolio with the right assets.

| More on:
woman data analyze

Image source: Getty Images.

After a brief slump a few days ago, the market has started moving up again and is at an all-time high. Energy and finance, two heavyweights of the TSX, are pulling a lot of weight and are ensuring that the TSX is moving in the right direction.

But it might simply be a sign of a series of upcoming fluctuations. Energy has already moved up too fast and might be due for a correction, especially if something changes at the international level (OPEC countries are flooding the market or a new demand slump). Or the bull market continues for several months.

If you are worried about turmoil, now or in the future, there are three stocks you can rely upon to anchor your portfolio.

Gold mines

Agnico Eagle Mines (TSX:AEM)(NYSE:AEM) is one of the major gold mining players in the country. The company has three major mining operations — one domestic and two foreign (Finland and Mexico). It’s also exploring prospects in the U.S. and Colombia. With a geographically diversified portfolio of operations and exploration, the company offers a safe/stable operational base.

Like most other golden stocks, the company saw a sharp rise in its stock after the 2020 crash and rose by 113% within six months. It has come down a long way since then, which pushed the yield into a more attractive territory (though still not comparable to proper dividend stocks). The current yield is 2.4%. The reason to buy Agnico is its ability to stay stable and even rise if the market is down, making it a perfect hedge for market downturns.

A banking stock

As the second-largest bank in the country with a significant U.S. presence, TD Bank (TSX:TD)(NYSE:TD) exemplifies the characteristics of Canada’s safe banking sector. But the bank is more than just safe and stable and an anchor in the harsh tides of the stock market; it’s also quite rewarding for its investors. With its 3.7% yield (which was considerably higher the same time last year) and a 10-year CAGR of 12.8%, TD is a great long-term holding.

The bank is also looking to expand its operations as much as possible to grow from its current position. One area where it’s looking to expand is in U.S. retail banking, which, unfortunately for TD, is becoming a fierce competing ground thanks to the Fintechs and online banks that offer a more affordable banking alternative to their users. Still, TD is a strong bet in a shaky market and will probably remain so for decades.

A consistent growth stock

Safe, stable, and reliable growth are coveted “characteristics” in stock, and investors are usually ready to pay a premium for that, hence the ample trading of overvalued stocks. But Metro (TSX:MRU), which combines these characteristics and offers stability from a business model perspective as well (thanks to its reliance on groceries and pharmacy), is currently a very attractive value buy.

It also happens to be one of the oldest aristocrats on the TSX and old enough to be called an aristocrat across the border as well, after growing its payouts for 26 consecutive years. The yield of 1.6%, while not quite high, complements its 16.5% 10-year CAGR quite nicely. The chain is financially stable and has an amazing footprint and regional presence.

Foolish takeaway

We are unlikely to see a market crash anytime soon, but the usual fluctuations are usually enough to make a lot of stocks quite attractively valued, and you can have your pick of the bunch if you wait for the right moment. But if you wish to stabilize your portfolio, even against these small fluctuations, adding stocks like these three is your best bet.

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 has no position in any of the stocks mentioned.

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 »