Markets rarely follow a straight path, and after a stretch of gains, the TSX may be approaching choppier waters in June. With a combination of global and domestic pressures building, Canadian stocks could come under renewed pressure. That doesn’t mean investors need to panic, but it does mean preparation is key. With that in mind, one stock worth a closer look for navigating the storm is Fairfax Financial Holdings (TSX: FFH).
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Why the fall?
There are several reasons to believe June could be rough for Canadian equities. First, there’s growing anxiety around global trade. With presidential politics heating up, protectionist talk is gaining ground. Canada, which relies heavily on exports to the U.S., is particularly sensitive to these shifts. Tariff headlines can rattle investor confidence and weigh on Canadian stocks, especially in industrials, manufacturing, and agriculture.
Second, commodity prices have become increasingly volatile. Oil, in particular, has seen sharp price swings due to concerns about global demand and rising geopolitical risks in the Middle East. With the TSX heavily weighted toward energy producers, any sustained weakness in crude oil could drag down the broader index. Copper and other base metals, which had shown signs of recovery earlier in the year, have also started to dip on slower-than-expected Chinese industrial activity. Materials and mining stocks could feel the heat as global growth expectations are revised downward.
Then there’s interest rate uncertainty. The Bank of Canada has signalled potential rate cuts by mid-year, depending on inflation data, which recently showed a decrease of 1.7% year over year. While rate cuts can boost consumer spending and borrowing, they can also send a message that the economy is weaker than hoped.
Protect your portfolio
So, how can investors shield themselves from a potential pullback on the TSX in June? This is where Fairfax Financial comes in. Fairfax is a diversified holding company with a core business in property and casualty insurance. It also manages a wide-ranging investment portfolio and owns a collection of businesses across multiple industries.
Fairfax is known for its conservative approach to investing and its focus on downside protection. In a world where stocks might falter, that’s exactly the kind of mindset that can help keep a portfolio stable. The company reported strong results in its most recent quarter. For the first quarter of 2025, Fairfax posted net earnings of $945.7 million, or $42.70 per share, driven by solid underwriting and strong investment gains. It reported a combined operating ratio of 94.7%, showing profitability in its insurance business despite the ongoing challenges of catastrophe losses and claims inflation.
Its book value per share rose to $1,080.38, up from $1,059.60 at the end of 2024. That’s a key metric for investors watching how the company builds long-term value. Book value growth, along with strong cash flow from its insurance and investment operations, helps Fairfax fund acquisitions and support shareholder returns. Fairfax’s main appeal is in its capital preservation and growth rather than yield alone.
Bottom line
What makes Fairfax particularly helpful during potential TSX weakness is its flexibility. The company holds over $2.1 billion in cash and marketable securities, giving it the ability to pounce on distressed assets or mispriced stocks when others are forced to sell. In a downturn, that kind of dry powder can create long-term gains. Its leadership team, led by CEO Prem Watsa, has a long track record of taking a cautious but opportunistic approach. That’s especially valuable during market selloffs when panic often overrides logic.
June might not be a repeat of March’s rally. And it doesn’t have to be a disaster to deserve attention, either. Volatility alone can be enough to cause losses for investors who are overexposed or poorly diversified. That’s why stocks like Fairfax, which offer a blend of caution and opportunity, can be valuable tools in any long-term investing strategy.
