Proceed With Caution When Considering These 5 Ultra-Popular Stocks

It’s natural to want to jump on the bandwagon and buy the popular stocks like everyone else, but if you don’t proceed with caution, you may risk losing it all.

| More on:
Caution, careful

Image source: Getty Images

At any given time, the stocks on the market fall somewhere on the spectrum of ultra-popular and entirely under the radar. It’s natural to lean toward the popular end of the spectrum because it feels safe to do what everyone else does, but it’s not always a good idea. Many popular stocks may be riding on temporary market sentiment instead of long-term solid fundamentals, so a bit of caution is necessary.

Five stocks are currently quite popular among investors that you should approach with caution. They shouldn’t be dismissed outright, but you should thoroughly evaluate them before making a decision.

A crypto stock

It’s almost a consensus that you should always be careful when buying crypto stocks. Investing in crypto stocks is considered risky because of the volatile nature of the underlying assets — i.e., cryptocurrencies. Bitfarms’s (TSX:BITF) recent performance is an excellent example of the growth potential of crypto stocks.

The stock has grown over 170% in the last one and a half months. The growth was spurred by the growth of Bitcoin, which has been going up since Oct. 2023, and the momentum hasn’t waned yet.

Despite the growth of the underlying asset, it’s essential to be cautious of Bitfarms stock because the trend can reverse just as sharply.

A bank stock

There is rarely a reason to be cautious when buying Canadian bank stocks for their dividends. Still, if you plan on buying Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (TSX:CM) for its recent hike, there is reason to be cautious. It’s a bit overvalued compared to other bank stocks, and its long-term growth history is not as impressive as others.

But if you have set your eyes on the dividends, it’s a healthy enough pick. The yield is quite good, despite the uptick in the valuation, and the payout ratio is relatively healthy compared to some of its peers in the banking sector.

A utility company

Algonquin Power & Utilities (TSX:AQN) was among the top utility and renewable stocks in Canada for both its dividends and capital appreciation potential up until a while ago. However, owing to some financial challenges, the company had to divest a sizable segment of its business and slash its dividends, which caused the stock to plummet. It has already lost over half of its value from its mid-2023 valuation.

Be cautious about this stock because its debt management practices got it in trouble the first time. While the company is doing many things right, and the financials are in relatively good shape, if a negative macro factor impacts the industry, Algonquin may be more vulnerable than others.

A gold stock

Gold stocks like Barrick Gold (TSX:ABX) usually tend to rise in popularity whenever there is uncertainty in the market or the economy is struggling, but that’s not always the case. The stock has been going up for the last three months alongside a healthy market, but the growth hasn’t been consistent.

But the chances of this trend continuing for long are not very good. If the TSX continues to perform well and the economy keeps on improving, investors may start diverting money from gold and gold stocks to index funds and other, more rewarding stocks than hedges like gold. The stock is also dangerously overvalued and is offering a modest yield at best.

An energy stock

Many Canadian energy stocks are still riding the powerful bullish momentum that started near the end of 2020 and propelled the sector upward at a robust rate. Canadian Natural Resources (TSX:CNQ) is one such stock, but that’s not its only appeal. It’s one of the largest independent oil and gas companies in the country and has been one of the most stable energy stocks in Canada for decades.

However, despite its underlying strengths, it may be a good idea to be cautious when buying this energy stock because the bullish momentum may wane soon. If a correction is coming, there might be a high chance of losing money with this stock (at least in the short term).

  • We just revealed five stocks as “best buys” this month … join Stock Advisor Canada to find out if Canadian Natural Resources made the list!

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 Bitcoin and Canadian Natural Resources. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

More on Investing

ETF stands for Exchange Traded Fund
Dividend Stocks

2 High-Yield Dividend ETFs to Buy to Generate Passive Income

Discover two high-yield dividend ETF powerhouses: one offering a bold 21% yield for risk-takers, the other a steady 7.6% for…

Read more »

Caution, careful
Dividend Stocks

The CRA is Watching TFSA Holders: Here Are Some Red Flags to Avoid

There are some bad red flags that many investors may be overlooking, but fear not! Here's how to side step…

Read more »

Start line on the highway
Dividend Stocks

Invest $7,000 in This Dividend Stock for $3,727.60 in Passive Income

Dividend stocks are the perfect fit for any TFSA contribution, but after strong earnings, this one should be top of…

Read more »

Hand Protecting Senior Couple
Dividend Stocks

2 High-Yield Dividend Stocks for Canadian Retirees

These top TSX stocks still offer attractive yields.

Read more »

alcohol
Dividend Stocks

How to Earn $2,680 of Annual Passive Income That the CRA Won’t Tax

Trying to boost your annual passive income? Here's one way you could earn $2,680 annually, completely tax-free!

Read more »

monthly desk calendar
Dividend Stocks

Buy 1,970 Shares of This Top Dividend Stock for $252.44/Month in Passive Income

This monthly dividend stock not only provides you with a high yield, but a monthly one!

Read more »

Train cars pass over trestle bridge in the mountains
Dividend Stocks

1 Dividend Growth Star Perfect for a TFSA

CN Rail (TSX:CNR) is a fantastic rail play that's looking too cheap to pass up for investors focused on landing…

Read more »

A worker gives a business presentation.
Dividend Stocks

2 Recession-Resistant Stocks to Close Out 2024

Waste Connections and GFL Environmental are two top TSX stocks positioned to deliver market-beating returns to shareholders.

Read more »