The Best Stocks to Invest $500 in Right Now

Considering their financial performances and growth prospects, these two high-quality TSX stocks can be excellent holdings for your self-directed portfolio.

| More on:
Key Points
  • The S&P/TSX Composite is up roughly 20% YTD in 2025, though inflation, trade tensions, and geopolitical risks still threaten near-term volatility.
  • For conservative, income-focused investors, Enbridge (ENB) — a midstream/utility/renewables operator with about a 5.69% yield — and Hydro One (H) — Ontario’s regulated transmission utility with about a 2.56% yield — offer defensive cash flow and long-term growth potential.
  • 5 stocks our experts like better than [Enbridge] >

The Canadian stock market has been nothing short of impressive in 2025. As we near the end of the year, we can see how the S&P/TSX Composite Index has reached new heights. As of this writing, the Canadian benchmark index is up by almost 20% year-to-date. The index was higher until a few weeks ago, but persistent inflation, trade tensions, and geopolitical factors continue posing a risk to markets worldwide.

If you consider yourself a more conservative investor but don’t want to compromise long-term growth and income, there are good ways to keep your money in the market. Today, I will discuss two high-quality TSX stocks that you can remain invested in, regardless of short-term market volatility.

Young adult concentrates on laptop screen

Source: Getty Images

Enbridge

Enbridge Inc. (TSX:ENB) is one of the most popular Canadian stocks and a staple in plenty of investment portfolios. The $144.5 billion market-cap company headquartered in Calgary owns extensive midstream assets that transport hydrocarbons across Canada and the US. The energy company also owns a portfolio of utility assets that offer stable cash flows while injecting lower risk into its revenue streams.

Enbridge also boasts a growing portfolio of renewable energy assets, a move that is setting the company up for a better future in an increasingly greener energy industry. ENB has been a top dividend stock, boasting an over 30-year track record for increasing shareholder payouts.

As of this writing, Enbridge stock trades for $66.24 per share, and it pays $0.9425 per share, each quarter, translating to a 5.7% dividend yield that you can lock into your portfolio today.

Hydro One

Hydro One Ltd. (TSX:H) is the smaller of the two dividend stocks that I will discuss in this piece, but not one that you should shrug aside. The $31.3 billion market-cap company does not diversify into other sectors. Instead, it focuses only on the utility sector, specifically, the transmission of electricity in Ontario.

Hydro One is the region’s largest regulated company providing electricity transmission. The company also boasts a small telco business, but it accounts for less than 1% of its revenue. Being a utility-focused business, Hydro One enjoys safety from volatile commodity prices, and its financial performance is largely safe from the impact of market volatility and market cycles.

Electricity demand will only increase over the years, and Hydro One is set to benefit from the growing demand. As of this writing, it trades for $52.11 per share and pays $0.3331 per share each quarter, translating to a 2.6% dividend yield.

Foolish takeaway

When investing during uncertain times, it is a good idea to seek stocks that have resilient business models, solid dividend track records, and other defensive qualities. Even if market volatility leads to short-term downturns, these are the kind of businesses that can emerge stronger on the other side when the dust settles.

To this end, Enbridge stock and Hydro One stock offer the kind of resilience that can make them excellent long-term holdings to consider for your self-directed investment portfolio.

Fool contributor Adam Othman has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Enbridge. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

More on Energy Stocks

trading chart of brent crude oil prices
Energy Stocks

Oil Is Surging Again: 2 Canadian Stocks to Watch Closely

An oil spike can lift energy stocks fast, but the best plays aren’t always pure producers.

Read more »

A meter measures energy use.
Energy Stocks

Why This Boring, Reliable Utilities Stock Is Starting to Look Very Profitable

Fortis (TSX:FTS) stock looks like a steady, profitable grower to pay more attention to, especially if you like rising dividends.

Read more »

trading chart of brent crude oil prices
Energy Stocks

3 TSX Stocks to Buy Before the Next Oil Spike Hits

These three TSX energy names can turn a commodity rally into real cash flow, without needing perfect conditions.

Read more »

how to save money
Energy Stocks

2 TSX Stocks That Could Win Big From Oil Near $100

Oil near US$100 can supercharge cash flow, and these two TSX producers offer different ways to get leverage to that…

Read more »

Yellow caution tape attached to traffic cone
Energy Stocks

The Dangerous Reason Why Chasing High Dividend Yields Can Backfire

Although high-yield dividend stocks can look attractive on the surface, here's why focusing too much on yield can get you…

Read more »

Canadian energy stocks are rising with oil prices
Energy Stocks

The Dividend Stocks I’d Consider the Smartest Use of $5,000 Right Now

Suncor Energy (TSX:SU) could be a great bet for value investors seeking income and appreciation this year.

Read more »

woman gazes forward out window to future
Energy Stocks

1 Dividend Stock I’d Feel Confident Buying and Holding for a Decade

Here's why this dividend stock, which returns 75% of its free cash flow to investors, is one of the best…

Read more »

Colored pins on calendar showing a month
Energy Stocks

A Standout TFSA Stock With a 6 % Monthly Payout Worth Knowing About

Discover Freehold Royalties (TSX:FRU) stock: A low-risk, light asset, clean model paying a 6% monthly TFSA yield!

Read more »