3 “Keep it Simple” Stocks to Buy Today

There are many Canadian stocks to buy right now, but if you want to keep it simple, these are the three I would consider on the TSX today.

Many Canadian investors are confounded by the volatile market we’re currently in. The TSX is down by 13.6% year to date, near the lowest it’s been in the last year! And now investors are confused as to whether they should buy this drop, or stay out of it entirely.

It’s times like these when we want to get back to basics. So why not keep it simple and find stocks that are going to be around long after this drop? With that in mind, these are the best TSX stocks to buy today to keep things simple.

Utility, wind power

Image source: Getty Images

Railway

Railway stocks are a great way to keep it simple. In Canada, there are only two to consider, and both remain necessary for our economy to thrive. The country relies on them to ship and receive oil, gas, cars, grain – you name it. So even though these stocks have been around for decades, they remain stocks to buy today.

The top I would consider for long-term holders right now is Canadian Pacific Railway (TSX:CP)(NYSE:CP). There are a few reasons, but at the top is the acquisition of Kansas City Southern. KCS will bring in even more revenue as it operates as the only railway to run from Canada down to Mexico. Plus, the company enters this next phase after going through a major overhaul in its cost-savings structure.

So while the company now has a massive amount of debt to get through, long-term holders won’t be discouraged in the next few years to come. And the railway stock might even provide some security, with shares remaining up 5% year to date.

Energy

Energy stocks have long been a strong way to receive steady cash if you plan on holding them for decades. But the times are changing. In a few decades, we will no longer see oil and gas companies. So if you’re a 30-year-old looking to invest for retirement, these aren’t some of the stocks to buy today.

Instead, think renewables. And consider lowering risk with renewable stocks that are already thriving. There are plenty available, but my favourite is Brookfield Renewable Partners LP (TSX:BEP.UN)(NYSE:BEP). The stock provides income through a dividend at 4.52% as of writing, and has 20 years of growth behind it. The pure renewable power play has renewable assets around the world, and continues to make partnerships. The company is especially active throughout Europe, as these countries look to get away from Russian dependence on oil.

Brookfield stock is down 8.3%, which is still beating the markets. So it’s a prime one to consider among other stocks to buy today.

Food

Another place to invest is in a sector that supplies what we’ll always need: food. Food is simply not going to go anywhere. We need it to survive. But only if we can grow it. That’s why I wouldn’t consider a company that sells food, makes food, or buys food. Instead, go straight to the source when looking for stocks to buy.

That source is crop nutrients. Without crops, there are no restaurants or grocery stores. And with less arable land, we need these nutrients more than ever. Especially considering the sanctions placed on Russian potash.

So if you’re looking for top stocks to buy, look at Nutrien (TSX:NTR)(NYSE:NTR). Even though it’s only been around since 2018, the sustainable supplier of crop products has a solid future ahead. It’s merged a fractured sector and brought it into the 21st century. e-commerce business is growing and acquisitions continue to line up. Further, shares are up 18% year to date, but down 15% in the last two months. So it’s a great time to jump on the stock.

Fool contributor Amy Legate-Wolfe has positions in Brookfield Renewable Partners and Canadian Pacific Railway Limited. The Motley Fool recommends Nutrien Ltd. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

More on Stocks for Beginners

TFSA (Tax-Free Savings Account) on wooden blocks and Canadian one hundred dollar bills.
Stocks for Beginners

A Smart Strategy to Use Your TFSA to Effectively Double Your $7,000 Contribution

A $7,000 TFSA contribution may not seem life-changing today, but the right TSX stocks could turn it into a much…

Read more »

Data Center Engineer Using Laptop Computer crypto mining
Energy Stocks

1 Canadian Stock Set to Profit From Canada’s Data Centre Buildout

AI data centres may feel like software, but their massive power needs could make Brookfield Renewable a stealth winner.

Read more »

hot air balloon in a blue sky
Dividend Stocks

The 11% Yielding Dividend Stock Set to Soar in 2026

This 11% yielding dividend stock offers massive income and a 2026 rebound case built around rising cash flow, growth, and…

Read more »

a man celebrates his good fortune with a disco ball and confetti
Stocks for Beginners

Where Will Scotiabank Stock Be in 3 Years?

BNS could look like a “turnaround dividend bank” now, but a “credible total-return bank” by 2029 if returns keep improving.

Read more »

c
Dividend Stocks

The $109,000 TFSA Benchmark: Here’s How to See Where You Stand

A $109,000 TFSA limit is a useful benchmark, and Waste Connections is the kind of “boring” compounder that can help…

Read more »

dividend growth for passive income
Dividend Stocks

The Canadian Companies That’ve Been Quietly Raising Their Dividend Payouts

These Canadian companies have quietly raised their dividend payouts for decades, offering investors a mix of income and long-term growth.

Read more »

A close up color image of a small green plant sprouting out of a pile of Canadian dollar coins "loonies."
Dividend Stocks

The Ideal TFSA Stock Paying a 6% Yield Every Month

A 6% monthly TFSA yield sounds flashy, but SmartCentres is really about whether that payout can hold up.

Read more »

stock chart
Energy Stocks

1 Canadian Dividend Stock Down About 14% to Buy and Hold Forever

Suncor’s pullback looks less like a dividend warning and more like a chance to buy a cash-generating energy heavyweight at…

Read more »