Got $7,000? Where to Invest Your TFSA Contribution in 2026

Putting $7,000 to work in your 2026 TFSA? Consider BMO, Granite REIT, and VXC for steady income, diversification, and long-term compounding.

| More on:

Key Points

  • BMO offers Big Six stability, U.S. growth exposure, prudent risk management, and a well-supported dividend
  • Granite REIT provides high-occupancy industrial properties, strong tenants, conservative debt, and a sustainable monthly payout
  • VXC gives broad global diversification outside Canada at low cost

When deciding how to use $7,000 of Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) contribution room in 2026, it helps to treat that money as long-term capital rather than something you may need soon. For many Canadians, TFSA room is precious because once it is used, it cannot be replaced unless you sell and withdraw later.

That makes it especially important to choose investments you feel confident holding through market downturns without panic. Investors should think about whether they want growth, income, or a blend of both, and how that choice fits with their age, risk tolerance, and other savings. So let’s look at three stocks that complement it.

BMO

Bank of Montreal (TSX:BMO) offers a blend of stability and opportunity that appeals to long-term TFSA investors. As one of Canada’s Big Six banks, it has a deeply entrenched position in personal and commercial banking, wealth management, capital markets, and insurance. What sets BMO apart is its meaningful exposure to the United States, where it operates a large and growing banking franchise. This allows BMO to benefit from economic growth on both sides of the border and helps smooth results when one market slows.

In its most recent earnings, BMO demonstrated steady execution in an environment defined by cautious consumers and businesses. While higher interest rates led to increased credit provisions, revenue remained solid, supported by capital markets activity and wealth management growth. Management continued to emphasize prudent risk management, which is critical for protecting dividends during uncertain periods. The dividend yield sits comfortably at 3.7%, and the payout remains well supported by earnings. Using $7,000 of TFSA room for BMO in 2026 could appeal to investors who want tax-free dividend income today while positioning for long-term upside.

GRT.UN

Granite REIT (TSX:GRT.UN) is a high-quality industrial real estate trust focused on warehouses, logistics hubs, and distribution facilities across North America and Europe. These properties form the backbone of modern supply chains, supporting everything from manufacturing to online shopping. Granite’s tenant base includes large, financially strong companies, and its long lease terms help provide predictable cash flow.

Granite’s recent earnings reinforced its reputation for consistency and balance sheet discipline. Occupancy remains high, rental income is stable, and management has continued to operate with a conservative approach to debt. While rising interest rates pressured real estate investment trust (REIT) valuations broadly, Granite maintained a payout that is supported by cash flow rather than stretched to attract yield seekers. Its monthly distribution is particularly attractive inside a TFSA, where that income can compound without tax drag.

VXC

Finally, Vanguard FTSE Global All Cap ex Canada ETF (TSX:VXC) provides exposure to thousands of companies outside Canada, spanning the United States, developed international markets, and emerging economies. For many Canadians, portfolios naturally become overexposed to domestic banks, energy, and utilities simply because those sectors dominate the TSX. VXC helps offset that concentration by offering access to global technology, healthcare, consumer, and industrial leaders that are underrepresented in the Canadian market.

Recent performance for VXC has been supported by strength in U.S. equities and improving sentiment across global markets, though returns will naturally vary from year to year. The real strength of VXC is not short-term performance, but its ability to capture global economic growth over long periods with minimal effort. Using $7,000 of TFSA room for VXC in 2026 could be an ideal choice for investors who want broad diversification, low maintenance, and the ability to let global growth compound tax-free.

Bottom line

A strong TFSA investment is one that can quietly compound in the background while benefiting from tax-free growth and tax-free income for years or even decades. Right now, here’s what $7,000 could bring in from each of these stocks.

COMPANYRECENT PRICENUMBER OF SHARESDIVIDEND TOTAL ANNUALPAYOUTFREQUENCYTOTAL INVESTMENT
VXC$73.8794$1.03$96.82Quarterly$6,943.78
GRT.UN$78.2989$3.40$302.60Monthly$6,968.81
BMO$181.9138$6.68$253.84Quarterly$6,912.58

So if you’re looking for top options in this category, these are three to consider on the TSX today.

Fool contributor Amy Legate-Wolfe has positions in the Vanguard FTSE Global All Cap Ex Canada Index ETF. The Motley Fool recommends Granite Real Estate Investment Trust. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

More on Dividend Stocks

voice-recognition-talking-to-a-smartphone
Dividend Stocks

How to Turn Losing TSX Telecom Stock Picks Into Tax Savings

Telecom stocks could be a good tax-loss harvesting candidate for year-end.

Read more »

Business success of growth metaverse finance and investment profit graph concept or development analysis progress chart on financial market achievement strategy background with increase hand diagram
Dividend Stocks

2 Dividend Growth Stocks Look Like Standout Buys as the Market Keeps Surging

Enbridge (TSX:ENB) stock and another standout name to watch closely in the new year.

Read more »

a person watches stock market trades
Dividend Stocks

For Passive Income Investing, 3 Canadian Stocks to Buy Right Now

Don't look now, but these three Canadian dividend stocks look poised for some big upside, particularly as interest rates appear…

Read more »

Young adult concentrates on laptop screen
Dividend Stocks

A Beginner’s Guide to Building a Passive Income Portfolio

Are you a new investor looking to earn safe dividends? Here are some tips for a beginner investor who wants…

Read more »

container trucks and cargo planes are part of global logistics system
Dividend Stocks

Before the Clock Strikes Midnight on 2025 – TSX Transportation & Logistics Stocks to Buy

Three TSX stocks are buying opportunities in Canada’s dynamic and rapidly evolving transportation and logistics sector.

Read more »

some REITs give investors exposure to commercial real estate
Dividend Stocks

The Ideal Canadian Stock for Dividends and Growth

Want dividends plus steady growth? Power Corporation offers a “quiet compounder” mix of cash flow today and patient compounding from…

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

2 Easy Ways to Boost Your Income (Including Buying Telus Stock)

Telus (TSX:T) and another timely dividend play that's worth checking out for a yield boost!

Read more »

a person watches stock market trades
Dividend Stocks

Forget Dollarama! 1 Cheaper Canadian Retail Stock With More Growth Potential

With Dollarama trading near its highs, this cheaper Canadian retail stock could be the smarter long-term buy right now.

Read more »