BoC Watch: 2 Canadian Stocks That Could Jump on Rate Cuts

If the Bank of Canada starts cutting rates, investors may be more willing to pay for cyclical and long-term growth themes.

Key Points
  • Cameco is a premium-priced nuclear/uranium leader, and rate cuts could boost appetite for its long-term story.
  • Nutrien is a fertilizer heavyweight that could benefit if lower rates improve farm economics and commodity sentiment.
  • Both can swing with uranium and fertilizer prices, so they’re best for investors who can handle volatility.

Rate cuts can change the mood of the market fast. When borrowing costs fall, investors often become more willing to buy stocks tied to future growth, commodities, and business spending. Of course, cuts don’t help every stock equally. That’s why these look interesting if the Bank of Canada moves from holding rates to cutting them.

a person watches stock market trades

Source: Getty Images

CCO

Cameco (TSX: CCO) is one of Canada’s most important nuclear-energy stocks. The company mines uranium, sells nuclear fuel services, and owns a 49% interest in Westinghouse, one of the world’s best-known nuclear-services businesses. Nuclear energy has moved back into the spotlight. Governments want cleaner power, and technology companies want massive amounts of steady power for artificial intelligence (AI) data centres. Nuclear power fits that demand well, and Cameco stock sits close to the centre of that story.

In the first quarter of 2026, Cameco stock reported revenue of $845 million. Net earnings reached $131 million, adjusted net earnings came in at $203 million, and adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) hit $509 million. The uranium segment looked especially strong. Earnings before taxes reached $358 million, while adjusted EBITDA came in at $423 million. Higher sales volumes and stronger realized prices helped drive that performance.

Cameco stock doesn’t look cheap in the traditional sense. Investors often pay a premium for it as it’s one of the cleanest ways to invest in uranium and nuclear power. That creates risk. If uranium prices fall, production disappoints, or investors cool on the nuclear theme, the stock can pull back. But rate cuts could help. Lower rates often lift appetite for long-term infrastructure and energy-transition stories. If the market starts paying more for future growth again, Cameco stock could move quickly.

NTR

Nutrien (TSX: NTR) offers a different kind of rate-cut opportunity. The company is one of the world’s largest fertilizer producers. Growers finance equipment, land, seed, fertilizer, and operating costs. Lower rates can improve sentiment and ease financial pressure across the agriculture chain. Nutrien can also benefit if global growth expectations improve, since fertilizer demand often looks stronger when investors feel better about commodity markets and food production.

In the first quarter of 2026, the company reported net earnings of $139 million, or $0.27 per diluted share. Adjusted EBITDA came in at $1.11 billion, and adjusted net earnings reached $0.51 per share. Revenue was about $6.05 billion. So, even in a mixed quarter, Nutrien stock still generated more than $1 billion in adjusted EBITDA. For the full-year 2025, Nutrien stock produced net earnings of $2.3 billion and adjusted EBITDA of $6.05 billion. The company benefited from higher fertilizer selling prices, record upstream fertilizer sales volumes, and stronger retail earnings. It also reported record potash sales volumes in the first quarter of 2026.

Nutrien stock still carries clear risks. Fertilizer prices can swing hard. Crop prices influence farmer spending. Geopolitical supply shocks can help one quarter and hurt the next. But Nutrien may appeal to investors who want a more income-friendly and value-oriented commodity name.

Bottom line

The Bank of Canada won’t make Cameco stock or Nutrien stock winners on its own. These businesses still depend on uranium prices, fertilizer markets, production, demand, and execution. But rate cuts can change how investors value companies tied to major long-term themes.

Cameco stock offers nuclear power, uranium, and AI-driven electricity demand. Nutrien stock offers food security, potash, and global agriculture exposure. Both come with volatility. Yet if the market starts pricing in easier money, these two Canadian stocks could jump before many investors realize the opportunity.

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

More on Stocks for Beginners

senior relaxes in hammock with e-book
Stocks for Beginners

How Much Would You Need to Feel Free to Work Less?

Your portfolio may not need to replace your whole salary before it can start buying back some of your time.

Read more »

Couple working on laptops at home and fist bumping
Dividend Stocks

The “Set It and Mostly Forget It” Dividend Stock

Fortis could be the dividend stock for investors who prefer a steady business and regular income without watching every market…

Read more »

Canadian investor contemplating U.S. stocks with multiple doors to choose from.
Energy Stocks

Your First $100,000 Could Give You More Choices Before Retirement

Your first $100,000 may not fund retirement, but it can start buying more control over how much you need to…

Read more »

truck transport on highway
Dividend Stocks

Dividend Investing Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated – This Stock Proves It

Dividend investing can be straightforward. See how Brookfield Infrastructure’s essential assets and quarterly payout make BIPC worth a closer look.

Read more »

shopper buys items in bulk
Dividend Stocks

The Stock Built to Withstand Whatever 2026 Brings

North West combines essential retail demand, hard-to-replicate remote markets, and improving profitability as 2026 keeps investors guessing.

Read more »

A red umbrella stands higher than a crowd of black umbrellas.
Dividend Stocks

Manulife Stock Is a Top Stock to Buy If Interest Rates Stay Higher for Longer

Manulife combines rising earnings, a growing insurance business, and investment income that can benefit if rates stay elevated.

Read more »

investor schemes to buy stocks before market notices them
Energy Stocks

I’m Betting My Future on This Canadian Dividend Giant

TC Energy combines a 4%-plus yield with contracted growth as LNG, electricity, and data centres increase natural gas demand.

Read more »

Senior uses a laptop computer
Stocks for Beginners

Your RRSP Refund Feels Like a Win: What Happens When You Retire?

An RRSP refund feels like free money, but the real benefit comes from delaying tax and putting those savings back…

Read more »