Cash Is King? Think Again During Today’s Market Dip

Sure, cash is great, but during a market dip investors may want to consider using some of the cash to make even more.

| More on:
Man holds Canadian dollars in differing amounts

Source: Getty Images

“Cash is king” is a common saying when things get a little bumpy in the stock market, The idea is that when stock prices are falling, the safest place to be is holding onto your money. While there’s a certain comfort in having cash during uncertain times, it might not always be the best strategy for growing your wealth.

Market dips, those periods when stock prices decline, can actually be prime opportunities for savvy investors. If you’re willing to take a bit of a leap when others are hesitant, you could potentially set yourself up for some nice gains down the road when the market eventually bounces back. And there’s one stock to consider if you take this route.

Agnico Eagle

Gold has often been seen as a safe harbour for investors when the economy gets a bit shaky. Consider Agnico Eagle Mines (TSX:AEM). It’s a big name in the gold mining business, with operations right here in Canada, as well as in Finland and Mexico. Even when gold prices have been a bit up and down, this company has shown that it can not only weather the storms but also find ways to grow.

Looking at its third-quarter results from 2024, Agnico Eagle reported a really impressive jump in earnings, a whole 165% increase. Its revenue also saw a significant rise, climbing by 31% to reach $2.2 billion. These strong numbers really highlight how well the company is being run and its ability to make the most of the market conditions.

Because Agnico Eagle is a leading gold producer with a solid track record, it’s in a good position to potentially benefit from gold as a safe harbour. The company’s strategy of focusing on high-quality mining projects that are manageable and can deliver good long-term returns for shareholders makes it an interesting option. Especially for investors who are looking for both stability and the potential for growth in the mining sector.

Why it works

Now, jumping into the market when it’s down does involve weighing the potential risks against the possible rewards. Keeping your money in cash might feel like the safest option. However, putting some of that capital into fundamentally strong companies like Agnico Eagle could lead to substantial returns as the market recovers. Of course, it’s always important to do your homework and think about your own financial goals and how much risk you’re comfortable with before making any investment decisions.

As of writing, let’s take a quick look at some up-to-date information. Agnico Eagle Mines Limited currently has a market capitalization of approximately $26.6 billion. The company’s strong performance in that period provides a picture of its financial health and operational efficiency leading into the present market conditions. And while shares have climbed significantly, it doesn’t look as though analysts and investors believe the stock will slow down any time soon, especially under all this market volatility.

Bottom line

So, while the urge to hoard cash during a market downturn is understandable, history suggests that carefully selecting quality stocks can be a more fruitful long-term strategy. Companies like Agnico Eagle, with strong financial performance and strategic positioning, demonstrate the potential opportunities that can arise when the market takes a temporary dip. Just remember to always do your own research and consider your personal financial situation before making any investment decisions.

Fool contributor Amy Legate-Wolfe has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

More on Stocks for Beginners

Blocks conceptualizing Canada's Tax Free Savings Account
Stocks for Beginners

3 TFSA Hacks to Build a $1 Million Tax-Free Nest Egg

Unlock the power of a TFSA to build your financial future. Learn how to maximize your savings without tax implications.

Read more »

a person watches stock market trades
Stocks for Beginners

If I Could Only Buy 2 Stocks in 2026, These Would Be My Top Picks

I believe these two top TSX-listed stocks deserve a place in a simple and disciplined portfolio in 2026 and beyond.

Read more »

Young adult concentrates on laptop screen
Stocks for Beginners

Beginner Investors: 6 Top Canadian Stocks for 2026

Want to start investing in Canadian stocks in 2026? Here are six quality stocks for a new investor's portfolio.

Read more »

woman checks off all the boxes
Stocks for Beginners

Buying a Stock for the First Time? Review Buffett’s Non-Negotiable Checklist

Newbie investors can benefit by checking Warren Buffett’s non-negotiable checklist before buying stocks.

Read more »

House models and one with REIT real estate investment trust.
Dividend Stocks

A Terrific TFSA Stock Paying 4% Each Month

This monthly-paying apartment REIT trades far below its reported asset value, giving TFSA investors income plus potential recovery upside.

Read more »

Stocks for Beginners

4 Canadian Stocks to Hold for the Next Decade

Do you have a long investment horizon? Check out these four top Canadian stocks that would be worth holding for…

Read more »

Middle aged man drinks coffee
Stocks for Beginners

Here’s the Average TFSA and RRSP for a 40-Year-Old in Canada

At 40, the “average” TFSA and RRSP balances are lower than you think, and a consistent compounder can help you…

Read more »

ETF stands for Exchange Traded Fund
Dividend Stocks

The Ideal TFSA Stock: A 7.5% Yield Paying Constant Cash

This 7.5%-yield monthly payer looks great in a TFSA, but you need to know what’s really funding the cheque.

Read more »