The Best Stocks to Invest $500 in Right Now 

The TSX has hit an all-time high, hinting that investor optimism has returned. Here are the best stocks to ride the bull rally.

| More on:
Income and growth financial chart

Source: Getty Images

The TSX hit an all-time high as the US Fed rate cuts added to the optimism that loans will soon become less overbearing. In this bullish market momentum, when some growth stocks have already peaked, some stocks are just gaining momentum.

Three best stocks to buy with $500 right now

The best time to buy a stock is in the early stages of recovery. As the stock market has set the stage for recovery, it is time to buy these stocks before they peak.

SmartCentres REIT

The real estate sector is one of the key beneficiaries of interest rate cuts. The sector suffered from weak demand as high interest rates had made mortgages unaffordable. SmartCentres REIT (TSX:SRU.UN) was hit by the falling fair market value of properties, slowing sales of condos and townhomes, and high-interest expenses. Its dividend payout ratio even surpassed 100% of the operating cash flow. The interest rate cuts will bring two-fold relief to the REIT. Firstly, its interest expense will be reduced, and the sales momentum will pick up with mortgages becoming affordable.

Property prices could revive and drive the unit price of SmartCentres REIT, which fell 33% during the high-interest rate environment. The REIT’s unit price has jumped 17% since June when the first interest rate cut was announced by the Bank of Canada. The recovery rally has just begun. The REIT has the potential to recover to the pre-pandemic level of $35, representing a 30% upside. It is unlikely to cut distributions as it didn’t do so even during the 2009 Financial Crisis, and it wants to maintain that reputation.

Investing $200 in the REIT now can help you lock in a 6.9% annual yield and 30% capital appreciation over the next two years.

Magna stock

Now is a good time to buy Magna International (TSX:MG) stock as it trades near its four-year low amid uncertainty around automotive demand. High inflation and interest rates barely helped Canadians afford groceries and pushed discretionary spending to a later date. Despite remarkable growth in revenue (13%) and earnings per share (108%) in 2023, the stock did not show any excitement as these were pending sales from the long wait times caused by the 2022 semiconductor shortage.

With semiconductor supplies in check, production capacity enough to meet all new demand, and easing of interest rates, car sales could gradually pick up. I won’t expect the uptick immediately as interest rates take time to sink in and impact the industries they have affected.

I am confident about Magna’s recovery as its resilient business model helped it stay profitable and grow dividends in one of the automotive sector’s toughest years. A recovery is due for this auto components maker, and when the stock recovers, its share price could grow 80% to over $100.

Hive stock

Hive Digital Technologies (TSXV:HIVE) stock tends to do well in a bull market as investor optimism fuels Bitcoin prices. The company still earns a majority of its revenue from mining Bitcoin. While the halving event in April 2024 did slow the rewards, a bull market could revive Bitcoin prices and make its mined cryptocurrency more valuable. The stock has already jumped 22% from its September low. Delay no further and invest $100 in Hive as the stock could double your money in the short term.

And if you are in it for the long term, the stock could grow your money severalfold from its cloud business, which is seeing rapid growth.

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 Puja Tayal has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Magna International and SmartCentres Real Estate Investment Trust. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

More on Stocks for Beginners

A plant grows from coins.
Stocks for Beginners

Create a Pension Passive-Income Stream With This TSX Stock

Want to build a passive-income stream? This one stock can provide a monthly distribution and stellar growth potential that you…

Read more »

Dollar symbol and Canadian flag on keyboard
Dividend Stocks

Passive Income: How to Make $195.13 Per Month Tax-free

When it comes to investing for passive income, make sure you take into consideration both dividends and returns. Which is…

Read more »

Double exposure of a businessman and stairs - Business Success Concept
Stocks for Beginners

Check Out This Soaring Stock, Up 41% in 1 Month, With More Gains to Come

Bausch has been going through a bit of a comeback, with shares up 41% in the last month alone! But…

Read more »

todder holds a gold bar
Stocks for Beginners

Is the Worst Over for SSR Mining Stock?

SRR Mining stock has been rising higher after recent earnings performance that made a bit of a comeback. So is…

Read more »

growing plant shoots on stacked coins
Dividend Stocks

4 Best Canadian Dividend Stocks to Buy Now

REITs can be some of the best dividend income out there. But that doesn't mean these stocks have to be…

Read more »

happy woman throws cash
Stocks for Beginners

1 Stock That Has Created Millionaires and Will Continue to Make More

Canadian banks have made millionaires time and time again. Not in a few years, mind you. But by investing long…

Read more »

stream movies at home
Dividend Stocks

Should You Buy Cogeco Stock for Its 5% Dividend Yield?

When you're considering a long-term dividend stock, Cogeco looks like a great option. But is the 5% dividend yield enough?

Read more »

Stocks for Beginners

How Much Cash Do You Need to Quit Work and Live Off Dividend Income?

While I can't simply hand over millions to retire today, I can certainly help set you up to retire early…

Read more »