When looking for high-quality growth stocks, it’s not uncommon for Canadian investors to immediately look to the U.S. and assume they need to buy the same mega-cap tech names everyone else is chasing.

And while there’s no question that those companies have delivered strong returns, they’re not the only place to find growth. In fact, there are plenty of Canadian stocks with significant growth potential throughout the rest of 2026 and beyond.

The key is understanding that growth doesn’t always look the same. It can come from expanding into new markets, turning a backlog into revenue, using technology to improve an industry, or benefiting from long-term macro trends.

So, with that in mind, if you’re looking for Canadian stocks with real growth potential in 2026, these are five names I’d focus on.

Canadian stocks with major growth potential beyond 2026

One of the best ways to find high-quality Canadian growth stocks is to look for businesses that have clear, scalable opportunities in front of them, which is why Propel Holdings (TSX:PRL) and MDA Space (TSX:MDA) are two top picks for 2026.

For example, Propel is one of the more unique growth stocks on the TSX because it combines fintech, AI, and lending into a business that can scale efficiently. Instead of operating like a traditional lender, Propel uses technology to serve consumers that traditional lenders often overlook, which allows it to expand across multiple markets without the same overhead.

Furthermore, its growth has been driven by expansion not just in Canada, but also in the U.S. and the U.K. And more importantly, it’s not just growing quickly; it’s still trading at a reasonable valuation relative to that growth.

That combination of strong execution and scalable expansion is exactly what you want in a growth stock.

Then there’s MDA Space, which offers a completely different type of growth opportunity.

MDA operates in satellite technology, robotics, and defence, all industries with long-term demand. However, what really makes it a top Canadian growth stock to consider in 2026 is its backlog.

Because with a massive backlog of contracted work, MDA has much better visibility into future revenue than most growth stocks. And that’s crucial because a significant portion of its future growth is already locked in.

Three more stocks with different paths to expansion

In addition to Propel, three more Canadian growth stocks with considerable potential both in 2026 and beyond are Aritzia (TSX:ATZ), WELL Health Technologies (TSX:WELL), and Bird Construction (TSX:BDT).

Aritzia has been a high-quality growth stock for years, up roughly 350% in just the last half-decade.

The company has already built a strong brand in Canada, but the biggest opportunity is continuing to expand in the U.S.

With more boutiques constantly opening, stronger e-commerce sales, and growing brand awareness, the company has a clear path to increasing revenue. Furthermore, because retail businesses like Aritzia benefit from operating leverage, if it executes well, profits can grow even faster than sales.

WELL Health, on the other hand, offers a more defensive type of growth. The company is the largest owner/operator of outpatient clinics in Canada, and healthcare demand doesn’t disappear when the economy slows down.

Additionally, WELL continues to grow by acquiring clinics and using technology to improve operations. That combination of consolidation and long-term demand is what makes it such a compelling growth stock to buy in 2026 and hold for years.

Finally, Bird Construction is a stock that reminds investors that growth doesn’t always have to come from flashy industries.

For example, Bird is benefiting from long-term trends like infrastructure spending, energy transition projects, and public-sector investment. And with a strong $11 billion backlog and consistent project demand, it has a clear runway for revenue growth.

The Foolish takeaway

Investing in growth stocks isn’t about finding the perfect business, and it’s especially not about chasing whatever is hottest in the market right now. It’s about identifying businesses with clear catalysts and long-term opportunities that you’d be comfortable holding for years.

That’s why, if you’re looking for Canadian stocks with real growth potential in 2026, focusing on businesses with strong execution and clear runways is how you set yourself up for long-term success.

The post The Canadian Stocks I’d Focus on for Growth Potential in 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Canada.

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Fool contributor Daniel Da Costa has positions in Aritzia and Well Health Technologies. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Aritzia and Propel. The Motley Fool recommends MDA Space. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

When it comes to building passive income, it’s easy to focus too much on yield and start favouring high-yield dividend stocks over simply owning high-quality businesses.

That’s understandable. After all, the higher the yield, the more income you’re generating right away. So naturally, a lot of investors get caught up trying to find the stocks that will pay them the most upfront.

However, the problem is that the highest yields are often where the biggest risks are hiding.

That doesn’t mean you should avoid high-yield dividend stocks altogether. But it does mean you need to understand why the yield is high in the first place, because not all high yields are created equal.

Why chasing high yields can backfire

One of the most important things to understand about dividend investing is that yields don’t just rise on their own. They usually increase for a reason, and more often than not, that reason is that the stock price has fallen.

Now, of course, sometimes that sell-off in the stock is simply due to short-term volatility. However, in many cases, stocks see sustained sell-offs because something isn’t going right with the business.

That could be growth slowing down, or debt levels are becoming a concern. Or maybe there’s an increasing risk that the dividend itself isn’t sustainable. And that’s where chasing the yield can become dangerous.

Because if you’re only looking at the income, you can end up buying into a situation where the business is weakening, and the dividend is at risk.

That’s why a lot of high-yield stocks should be approached with caution. Sometimes the yield is simply that high because the stock continues to fall out of favour.

With that said, though, not every high yield is a red flag. In some cases, the yield is elevated simply because of how the business is structured.

For example, certain companies pay out a large portion of their earnings to shareholders, which naturally results in a higher yield.

So, while the income may look similar on the surface, the reason behind that yield can be completely different. That’s why it’s so important to understand the business behind the yield, and how safe the dividend actually is.

When a high-yield dividend stock actually makes sense

High-yield dividend stocks can still play an important role in your portfolio, which is why you don’t need to avoid high-yield stocks entirely. You just need to recognize what’s behind the yield and whether the income is actually supported by the business.

For example, South Bow (TSX:SOBO) is a pipeline stock that operates energy infrastructure assets that generate steady, fee-based cash flow, which already puts it in a similar category as other reliable pipeline and infrastructure businesses.

However, the reason its current dividend yield of 6.1% is higher than many of its peers isn’t that the business is broken.

It’s because it has a shorter track record as a standalone company; it carries more debt than more established names, and it hasn’t started growing its dividend yet.

That’s crucial to recognize because those factors naturally make investors more cautious, which keeps the stock price lower and the yield higher.

But at the same time, the underlying business still generates billions in stable cash flow, with roughly 90% coming from long-term, take-or-pay contracts with investment-grade customers, which helps support the dividend.

So, while there are risks, and every stock has them, they’re very different from the situations you see in certain stocks that actually threaten the dividend.

And that’s why understanding the business and why a yield is where it is is paramount.  Rather than just chasing the highest yield you can find, you determine whether that yield is supported by a durable business model or whether it’s simply a reflection of underlying problems.

In South Bow’s case, the stock only pays out roughly 75% of its distributable cash flow, and as it continues to reduce debt, analysts believe it could transition into a dividend growth stock as early as next year.

That’s why the yield is elevated today. It’s not that the income is at risk, but that the market is still pricing in some uncertainty.

The post The Dangerous Reason Why Chasing High Dividend Yields Can Backfire appeared first on The Motley Fool Canada.

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Fool contributor Daniel Da Costa 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.

When it comes to finding high-quality dividend stocks to buy for the long haul, one of the biggest challenges investors face isn’t figuring out which businesses to buy; it’s finding companies they can actually hold with confidence.

Because while long-term investing sounds simple, not every stock is built for it.

Some industries are too cyclical, some businesses require constant reinvestment just to maintain production, and in certain sectors, like energy, that uncertainty is exactly what makes investors hesitant to commit for a full decade.

That’s why Canadian energy producers aren’t always viewed as long-term holdings for dividend investors.

With that said, the one producer that continues to look compelling for long-term investors is Canadian Natural Resources (TSX:CNQ).

While Canadian Natural operates in a cyclical industry, the way the business is structured makes it far more predictable than most energy stocks, which is exactly why it’s a dividend stock I’d feel confident buying and holding for a decade.

Why Canadian Natural Resources is a dividend stock you can buy and hold long term

One of the biggest reasons Canadian Natural sets itself apart is that, unlike many energy companies that constantly need to spend heavily just to replace declining production, the dividend stock operates large-scale oil sands assets that produce steady volumes for decades.

That difference is significant because instead of constantly chasing new production, CNQ can focus on optimizing what it already owns, which makes its cash flow far more predictable over time.

On top of that, its cost structure is extremely competitive. The dividend stock has some of the lowest operating costs in the industry, which means it can remain profitable even when oil prices decline. In fact, Canadian Natural’s break-even oil price is in the low-to-mid US$40s per barrel of West Texas Intermediate (WTI).

That’s easily one of the biggest reasons why Canadian Natural is one of the best dividend stocks on the TSX to buy and hold for a decade.

While other companies struggle when commodity prices fall, CNQ continues to generate strong cash flow. And that consistency is what allows it to support its consistently growing dividend and continue returning capital to shareholders in almost any environment.

A dividend strategy built for long-term investors

In addition to its asset base and cost advantage, what really makes Canadian Natural so attractive for passive income seekers is how the dividend stock returns cash to investors.

Right now, with net debt still above its long-term target of $13 billion, it’s returning roughly 75% of its free cash flow to shareholders through dividends and share buybacks. So even after the stock has rallied in recent weeks, Canadian Natural’s dividend still offers an attractive yield of roughly 4%.

And as it continues to reduce that debt, that payout is expected to increase. For example, once the dividend stock’s net debt is reduced below $13 billion, which analysts anticipate could happen within the next 12–18 months, it plans to return essentially 100% of its free cash flow to investors.

That’s a significant shift because it means that as the balance sheet improves, more and more of the company’s cash flow goes directly back to shareholders.

Therefore, given its asset base, strong free cash flow generation, and disciplined capital strategy, it’s no surprise that the stock has increased its dividend for more than two decades straight.

And that’s not just attractive because of the dividend growth, it shows you can have confidence in Canadian Natural through multiple oil price cycles, including some of the worst downturns the energy sector has ever seen.

That kind of track record matters because it shows that the business isn’t just built to perform in strong environments like we’re in today, but it’s built to survive and continue rewarding investors even when industry economics deteriorate.

That’s why it’s one of the best dividend stocks, especially in the energy sector, to buy and hold for years. It’s a business you can buy with confidence, knowing it will continue generating cash flow and returning it to shareholders through every part of the cycle.

The post 1 Dividend Stock I’d Feel Confident Buying and Holding for a Decade appeared first on The Motley Fool Canada.

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Fool contributor Daniel Da Costa has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Canadian Natural Resources. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

When it comes to investing in 2026, whether it’s in Canadian stocks or exchange-traded funds (ETFs), the reality is that things haven’t played out the way many investors expected.

Coming into the year, there was a lot of optimism around interest rates continuing to fall, volatility easing, and markets becoming more predictable. But instead, the war in Iran has impacted everything.

Interest rates have remained relatively elevated, uncertainty is still high, and certain sectors have already made significant moves while others continue to lag.

And that’s what makes investing right now a bit more challenging. Because it’s not just about being diversified, it’s about ensuring that you’re actually positioned based on what’s happening in the market today.

However, even with all the volatility and uncertainty, there are still clear opportunities in specific parts of the market.

And that’s exactly why there are a couple of Canadian ETFs I’d be genuinely excited to own through the rest of 2026.

A growth ETF offering exposure to Canada’s top tech stocks in 2026

When investors think about technology stocks, most immediately look to the U.S., and for good reason. That’s where many of the largest and most dominant tech companies in the world are.

However, Canada still has a handful of high-quality technology businesses that continue to grow and execute at a high level, which is why iShares S&P/TSX Capped Information Technology Index ETF (TSX:XIT) is one of the most intriguing picks in 2026.

First off, the XIT is ideal for investors because instead of trying to pick individual winners, it gives you exposure to some of Canada’s biggest tech stocks, like Shopify and Constellation Software.

That’s important because these are businesses that continue to benefit from long-term trends like e-commerce, software adoption, and digital transformation.

More importantly, though, they’re not purely dependent on macro conditions being perfect. They continue to grow because of their competitive advantages and the demand for what they offer.

Now, it’s worth noting that XIT is more concentrated than many other ETFs. However, that’s part of the point.

You’re not buying it for broad diversification. You’re buying it to get meaningful exposure to some of the strongest growth companies on the TSX, which is exactly why it’s one of the most exciting ETFs to own through the rest of 2026 and beyond.

A beaten-down sector that still has a clear path to recovery

On the other end of the spectrum, one of the most overlooked opportunities in the market right now continues to be real estate.

For the last few years, real estate investment trusts (REITs) have faced significant pressure from higher interest rates, rising borrowing costs, and generally weak sentiment across the sector, which has led to many high-quality REITs trading at lower valuations than they have historically.

However, it’s important to understand that the underlying demand for real estate hasn’t disappeared. People still need places to live, businesses still need industrial space, and retail continues to play an important role in the economy.

So, while sentiment has been weak, the fundamentals remain in place, which is exactly what’s creating the opportunity today, especially since REITs don’t need perfect conditions to recover. They just need stability.

That’s why one of the most compelling Canadian ETFs to consider for the rest of 2026 is BMO Equal Weight REITs Index ETF (TSX:ZRE).

First off, instead of being heavily weighted toward a handful of names, ZRE uses an equal-weight strategy, which helps provide better diversification across different types of real estate.

On top of that, it offers a steady stream of monthly income, which is especially valuable while you’re waiting for sentiment to improve. And the income isn’t insignificant either, with a current yield of roughly 4.5%.

That combination of income and potential upside as the sector recovers is exactly what makes it such an interesting ETF to own in 2026.

And when you pair that with growth exposure like the XIT offers, you end up with a portfolio that’s well-positioned for the rest of 2026.

The post The 2 ETFs I’d Be Most Excited to Own Heading Through the Rest of 2026 appeared first on The Motley Fool Canada.

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Fool contributor Daniel Da Costa has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Shopify. The Motley Fool recommends Constellation Software. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

When it comes to finding high-quality dividend stocks to buy for passive income, reliable telecom stocks like Telus (TSX:T) and BCE (TSX:BCE) have been some of the most popular investments for years.

That’s not surprising. Telecom stocks have long been some of the best investments you can buy for income because they offer high yields, operate essential businesses, and have historically been seen as reliable long-term holdings.

However, over the last few years, the telecom sector has faced some significant headwinds.

Between higher interest rates, elevated debt levels, and increased competition, both BCE and Telus stocks have seen their share prices struggle and haven’t delivered the same level of consistency investors were used to.

Naturally, more investors are starting to look for alternatives.

With that said, though, it’s not easy to replace businesses that are this reliable and defensive. That’s what makes telecom so attractive in the first place.

However, if there’s one stock that offers a similar kind of essential, infrastructure-style cash flow, but with better long-term upside, there’s no question that Brookfield Infrastructure Partners (TSX:BIP.UN) is one of the best and most reliable dividend growth stocks to buy now.

Why I’d pick Brookfield over BCE or Telus stock today

Although all three stocks are infrastructure businesses that generate a ton of cash flow and return much of it to shareholders, there are some key differences.

For example, the biggest differences between Brookfield Infrastructure and the telecom stocks are the scope of the business. While Telus and BCE operate large, capital-intensive networks, they’re primarily focused on one industry and one market.

Brookfield takes that same idea of essential infrastructure and applies it globally. It owns a diversified portfolio of assets across multiple sectors, including utilities, energy infrastructure, transportation networks, and data infrastructure.

That diversification makes a significant difference for investors because instead of relying on one industry or one region to drive performance, Brookfield generates cash flow from multiple sources across the global economy.

On top of that, the assets it owns are just as essential as telecom infrastructure. Whether it’s moving energy, transporting goods, transmitting electricity, or supporting data networks, these are services that businesses and consumers rely on every single day.

So, while all three stocks generate highly predictable cash flow, the majority of Brookfield’s business is backed by long-term contracts, regulated assets, and infrastructure that isn’t optional.

So, it offers many of the same defensive characteristics that investors are looking for in BCE or Telus stocks, but with significantly more diversification.

A better mix of income, growth, and long-term opportunity

In addition to its diversification, another reason why I’d buy Brookfield over Telus or BCE stock right now is its long-term growth potential from here.

Right now, one of the biggest challenges for stocks like BCE and Telus is that their free cash flow generation is under pressure. After years of heavy investments in 5G and fibre-to-the-home infrastructure, and now with continuously strong competition in the space, the outlook is getting more uncertain.

BCE has already cut its payout, and Telus has slowed its dividend growth and could potentially cut its dividend as it focuses on managing its balance sheet.

Brookfield, on the other hand, continues to grow. It offers a yield of more than 5%, and more importantly, it not only continues to increase its distribution each year, but it targets a 5% to 9% increase each year.

And much of the long-term growth potential Brookfield offers comes down to its strategy. Instead of just holding these reliable infrastructure businesses indefinitely, Brookfield actively recycles capital by selling mature assets and reinvesting in new opportunities with higher growth potential.

That’s why it continues growing both its cash flow and its distribution over the long haul.

So, while Telus and BCE can still play a role for income investors, Brookfield offers a better mix of reliable cash flow, long-term growth, and diversification, which is why it’s easily one of the best dividend growth stocks in Canada to buy today.

The post The Stock I’d Pick Over Telus or BCE — and Why I Keep Coming Back to It appeared first on The Motley Fool Canada.

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Fool contributor Daniel Da Costa has positions in BCE and Brookfield Infrastructure Partners. The Motley Fool recommends Brookfield Infrastructure Partners and TELUS. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Often in investing, the biggest challenge isn’t finding the highest-quality TSX stocks to buy; it’s actually finding opportunities to buy them at a reasonable price.

Because the reality is that the best stocks on the market rarely trade at a discount.

They’re well-known, widely owned, and consistently deliver strong results, which means investors are almost always willing to pay a premium to own them. And that’s exactly why waiting for pullbacks becomes so important. Because when markets do get volatile, and they always eventually do, even the highest-quality stocks can temporarily sell off.

And those moments are often some of the best opportunities you’ll get to build a long-term position.

That’s why, instead of chasing stocks after they’ve already run up, it makes more sense to know exactly which businesses you want to own ahead of time so that when the opportunity comes, you can act quickly.

With that in mind, here are two of the very best stocks on the TSX that I’d be ready to buy the next time markets pull back.

One of the best defensive growth stocks to buy on the TSX

One of the best examples of a stock that almost never stays cheap for long is Dollarama (TSX:DOL).

Dollarama has been one of the most consistent performers on the TSX for years, and it’s easy to see why.

It operates a simple, highly scalable retail model that continues to grow regardless of what’s happening in the broader economy.

When times are good, the discount retailer benefits from steady traffic and expansion. And when the economy slows down, it often sees increased demand as consumers look for lower-cost alternatives.

That’s one of the biggest reasons why Dollarama continues to thrive, and why it has been one of the best TSX stocks to buy for years. It can grow in any economic environment.

On top of that, Dollarama continues to expand its store network and improve its margins, which has helped the stock deliver massive long-term returns for investors.

However, recently, Dollarama stock has pulled back meaningfully following a weaker-than-expected earnings report.

Comparable sales growth came in below expectations, and the company also issued more cautious guidance, which weighed on investor sentiment. On top of that, ongoing investments in international expansion are putting some short-term pressure on margins.

As a result, the stock has sold off significantly from its highs. However, it’s worth noting that none of these factors change the long-term thesis. Dollarama’s business model remains intact, and its ability to grow in both strong and weak economic environments hasn’t changed.

So, while the stock now trades at a much more reasonable valuation, with a forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 33.2 times compared to 42.4 times just a few months ago, this is exactly the type of pullback that savvy long-term investors wait for.

A global growth stock with long-term tailwinds

In addition to Dollarama, another high-quality TSX stock you’ll want to buy on any dip is Brookfield Asset Management (TSX:BAM).

Brookfield Asset Management is one of the highest-quality businesses on the TSX, but for very different reasons than Dollarama.

Instead of operating a retail business, Brookfield focuses on managing capital for institutional investors across infrastructure, renewable energy, real estate, and private markets.

So, rather than relying on a single operation or industry, it earns fee-based revenue from managing a massive and growing pool of global capital.

That helps create a highly scalable business model with strong visibility into future earnings.

Additionally, Brookfield benefits from long-term trends as pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, and other institutions continue increasing their allocations to alternative assets.

That ongoing shift is why Brookfield is one of the best businesses to buy on the TSX, and it’s also why the stock rarely trades cheaply. Investors understand the quality of the business and its recurring fee-based earnings.

So, when broader sentiment weakens, and even high-quality stocks like Brookfield sell off in the short term, those are the opportunities you want to be ready to take advantage of.

Because over the long haul, as its assets under management continue to grow, so too will Brookfield’s earnings, its dividend, and ultimately its stock price.

The post 2 TSX Stocks I’d Move Quickly to Buy the Next Time Markets Pullback appeared first on The Motley Fool Canada.

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Fool contributor Daniel Da Costa has positions in Brookfield Asset Management. The Motley Fool recommends Brookfield Asset Management and Dollarama. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

When you’re investing for the long haul and building a portfolio in your TFSA, you don’t want to just find Canadian stocks to buy that have compelling growth potential. You want to find businesses that you can have the confidence to stick with through different market environments.

That might sound simple, but it’s often not as easy as it seems because eventually most stocks will give you a reason to second-guess them.

Whether it’s volatility, slowing growth, or shifts in the broader economy, there’s usually something that forces investors to constantly re-evaluate their position, which is exactly what you want to avoid in a long-term TFSA portfolio.

It’s important to remember that the whole point of the TFSA isn’t just the tax-free gains; it’s using those tax-free gains to let high-quality businesses compound for years without interruption.

That’s why these three Canadian stocks are some of the best to consider for a long-term buy-and-hold TFSA.

Two of the best core portfolio stocks Canadians can buy in their TFSAs

There’s no question that one of the best places to start when building a long-term portfolio is with businesses that generate predictable cash flow from essential services, like Enbridge (TSX:ENB).

Enbridge operates one of the largest energy infrastructure networks in North America, moving oil and natural gas across the continent.

Furthermore, it generates the majority of its cash flow through long-term contracts and regulated assets, which makes its earnings far more predictable.

That’s why it has been able to consistently generate reliable cash flow and support one of the most attractive dividends on the TSX. In fact, not only does the dividend offer a current yield of 5.3%, but it has also been increased every year for more than three straight decades.

Most importantly, though, it’s a business that continues to perform regardless of short-term market conditions since its operations are essential.

So, if you’re building a long-term portfolio in your TFSA, there’s no question Enbridge is a top pick.

In addition to Enbridge, another massive blue-chip stock that dominates its industry and continues to perform regardless of short-term conditions is Nutrien (TSX:NTR).

As one of the largest agricultural input companies in the world, Nutrien plays a critical role in global food production.

Farmers rely on fertilizers to maintain crop yields, and as the global population continues to grow, that demand continues to increase.

And while Nutrien can be more cyclical than a stock like Enbridge, especially since fertilizer prices can fluctuate, the long-term demand for its products remains strong. On top of that, Nutrien has vertically integrated its business in recent years, which helps it better manage some of that cyclicality.

And because of that solid business model and consistent cash flow generation, Nutrien returns a significant amount of capital to shareholders through dividends and share buybacks.

That combination of essential demand, strong cash flow, and the ability to return capital to shareholders is exactly what makes Nutrien one of the best Canadian stocks to buy and hold in your TFSA.

A defensive growth stock that continues to execute

Finally, one of the most underrated types of long-term investments is businesses that offer steady, defensive growth, like Jamieson Wellness (TSX:JWEL).

Jamieson operates in the health and wellness space, producing vitamins, supplements, and other consumer health products where demand is both recurring and relatively resilient.

Consumers don’t suddenly stop buying health products because of short-term economic changes, which helps provide a stable base of revenue.

At the same time, Jamieson continues to grow by expanding its product offerings and increasing its presence in international markets.

That combination of steady demand and consistent execution is what allows it to deliver reliable growth over time.

And while it may not be the fastest-growing stock on the TSX, it’s compelling because it’s reliable and consistent. That’s what makes it one of the best Canadian stocks to buy and let quietly compound in a TFSA for years.

The post 3 Canadian Stocks Well Suited for a Long-Term Buy-and-Hold TFSA appeared first on The Motley Fool Canada.

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Fool contributor Daniel Da Costa has positions in Enbridge and Nutrien. The Motley Fool recommends Enbridge and Nutrien. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

One of the biggest mistakes investors make when building a long-term portfolio, especially when it comes to finding Canadian dividend stocks to buy, is spending too much time trying to predict where interest rates are going next.

There’s no question that interest rates are incredibly important. They’re the primary tool policymakers use to either stimulate or slow down the economy. On top of that, they directly impact the valuation of nearly every company on the market, particularly Canadian dividend stocks.

However, as important as they are, the reality is that consistently predicting interest rates is nearly impossible.

Even when things seem obvious, something always changes. Inflation stays sticky, growth slows, or new risks emerge that completely shift expectations. And that’s exactly where we are today.

Coming into 2026, investors were expecting more rate cuts as inflation continued to ease. But as we’ve seen time and time again, something unexpected can quickly change the outlook. In this case, geopolitical tensions and the war in Iran have added a new layer of uncertainty, forcing policymakers into a wait-and-see approach.

So, with rates essentially on hold for now, and uncertainty remaining elevated, it creates a challenging environment for investors.

That’s why, instead of trying to predict what rates will do next, the better approach is to focus on businesses that can continue to execute regardless of the environment.

And that’s exactly why Northland Power (TSX:NPI) is one of the top dividend stocks to buy right now.

Why Northland Power is built to handle this environment

One of the biggest reasons Northland is one of the best dividend stocks to buy today is because of how the business has already adapted to higher rates.

For years, it was primarily viewed as an income stock. It paid a steady dividend and attracted investors looking for a reliable yield. However, more recently, management made the decision to reset the dividend.

At first glance, that might look like a negative. And in the short term, it was. But in reality, it was one of the most important moves the company could make because instead of continuing to pay out a large portion of its cash flow, Northland is now retaining more capital internally.

And that matters a lot in a higher-rate environment because now the company doesn’t have to rely as heavily on expensive debt, it reduces the need to issue new shares, and it gives management more flexibility to fund its own growth.

So, while some investors saw the dividend reset as a weakness, and for existing investors, it was a setback, looking at Northland today, it’s in a much stronger position going forward. That’s why it’s one of the best dividend stocks to buy now, regardless of where interest rates go.

Why Northland is a top dividend stock to buy now

As a green energy company with significant growth potential both in the short term and over the long term, Northland is one of the most compelling dividend stocks to buy right now, especially because it’s more than just an income play.

The company has a global portfolio of renewable energy assets, including offshore wind, solar, and energy storage, and more importantly, it has several large-scale projects that are either nearing completion or already starting to come online.

And that’s where the opportunity really starts to show up because for the last few years, most of the focus has been on construction risk, rising costs, and higher interest rates. But as those projects get completed, that narrative begins to shift.

Cash flow becomes more visible, execution risk declines, and the market can focus more on the long-term earnings power of the business. At the same time, Northland’s operations are supported by long-term contracts that provide predictable revenue, helping support its dividend and overall stability. And as of Monday’s close, that dividend offered a yield of roughly 3%.

And if interest rates stabilize or eventually start to fall, that’s where the upside becomes even more compelling.

So, while the environment today may feel uncertain, that’s exactly why Northland is one of the best Canadian dividend stocks to buy now. It’s already adjusted to higher rates, continues to execute, and has a ton of long-term potential, regardless of what happens next.

The post With Rates Going Nowhere, Here’s 1 Canadian Dividend Stock I’d Buy Right Now appeared first on The Motley Fool Canada.

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Fool contributor Daniel Da Costa has positions in Northland Power. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

When markets start to get shaky, one of the most common reactions from investors is to play defence. They start to panic and immediately consider selling TSX stocks and moving to cash, to reduce exposure, or just wait on the sidelines until things feel more stable again.

And while that might sound like the safe approach, it’s often not the most effective one because, at the end of the day, you’re still trying to speculate and time the market. Furthermore, sitting in cash doesn’t generate returns; it just avoids volatility.

That’s why, instead of trying to completely avoid market turbulence, a better approach is to focus on owning businesses that can continue to perform through it. That means investing in companies which generate reliable cash flow, provide essential services, and don’t rely on strong economic conditions just to stay profitable.

Those are the stocks that tend to hold up best when uncertainty starts to increase, and that’s exactly why certain TSX stocks can offer a lot more stability than most investors expect.

Why certain TSX stocks hold up when everything else slows down

When the economy starts to weaken or uncertainty begins to rise, one of the first things that changes is how people spend their money.

Discretionary spending tends to drop almost immediately, which means people cut back on non-essential purchases, delay big decisions, and become more cautious overall.

That’s why many stocks across the economy can feel pressure when the economy weakens. However, not all companies are impacted equally; there are certain expenses that people simply can’t avoid, like housing and utilities.

And that’s why TSX stocks like Canadian Apartment Properties REIT (TSX:CAR.UN) and Emera (TSX:EMA) are some of the best investments to buy to help protect your portfolio. They tend to be much more resilient when markets get turbulent.

CAPREIT is one of the largest residential landlords in Canada, owning thousands of apartment units across major markets. And regardless of what’s happening in the economy, people still need a place to live.

So, while the stock itself can still be volatile in the short term, the underlying business remains highly reliable.

Meanwhile, Emera offers a similar type of stability. As a regulated utility, it generates predictable revenue from providing electricity and gas to customers because, just like housing, those are services people continue to pay for regardless of economic conditions.

Building a portfolio that can handle uncertainty

Although buying high-quality companies is always paramount, it’s important to understand that investing through volatility isn’t just about finding the most defensive stocks possible.

Because while stability is important, you still want to own businesses that can continue to grow and create value over time. And that’s exactly what both CAPREIT and Emera offer.

They’re not high-growth stocks that rely on perfect conditions to perform, but they’re also not stagnant businesses either.

They generate consistent cash flow, pay reliable income, and still have long-term growth drivers that can support share price growth over time. And right now, both stocks offer dividend yields above 4%.

That’s what makes them so effective in a portfolio because, instead of forcing you to constantly react to market conditions, they give you the confidence to stay invested and let them grow and compound over the long haul.

And that’s exactly the goal of long-term investing. You want reliable businesses that you can hold through different environments without feeling the need to constantly adjust your strategy.

Remember, the best way to deal with market turbulence isn’t to avoid it; it’s to be prepared for it. That’s how you invest for the long haul, not by reacting to volatility, but by owning the right businesses from the start.

The post If Market Turbulence Is Coming, These 2 TSX Stocks Could Offer Some Shelter appeared first on The Motley Fool Canada.

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Fool contributor Daniel Da Costa has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Emera. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

When it comes to building long-term wealth in your TFSA, one of the simplest and most effective strategies is to focus on owning high-quality Canadian ETFs that you never feel the need to sell.

Because while a lot of investors spend time trying to pick the perfect stocks, time the market, or constantly adjust their portfolio, often the more you try to do, the harder you make it on yourself.

Investing can quickly become much more complicated, and more importantly, it makes it harder to stay consistent.

That’s why building the core of your portfolio with a few reliable, broad-based ETFs is one of the best ways to invest, since it simplifies everything.

Canadian ETFs give you instant diversification and allow you to stay focused on the long term without constantly second-guessing your decisions.

So, if you’re a long-term investor looking to build a reliable TFSA portfolio, these three Canadian ETFs are easily some of the best to buy, and three I’d be more than comfortable owning for decades.

Building a core TFSA portfolio with broad-market Canadian ETFs

The foundation of any long-term portfolio should be broad exposure to high-quality businesses, which is why two of the top Canadian ETFs I’d start with are the iShares Core S&P 500 Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) (TSX:XSP) and the iShares S&P/TSX 60 Index ETF (TSX:XIU).

For example, the XSP is one of the best and easiest investments you can make. You’re getting exposure to 500 of the largest companies in the U.S., many of which generate revenue globally.

And over the long haul, there’s no question the S&P 500 has been one of the most consistent indices to own. That’s why it’s such a strong core holding. You don’t need to pick winners or try to time anything. You just need to stay invested.

At the same time, though, it still makes sense to have exposure to Canada, which is why I’d pair the XSP with the XIU ETF. Unlike the XSP, though, instead of offering exposure to the entire TSX, the XIU focuses on the 60 largest companies in the country.

And historically, those large-cap, blue-chip stocks have been more reliable and, over the long haul, have outperformed the broader index.

That’s not surprising, though. The largest companies in Canada are some of the most stable. They generate more consistent cash flow. And they’re the types of businesses you can actually hold through different market environments.

That’s why the XSP and XIU are two of the best ETFs to buy and never consider selling. When combined, they offer exposure to both the global economy and Canada’s strongest companies.

Adding targeted exposure without overcomplicating your portfolio

Once you’ve built that core, you can start to be intentional about where you add exposure.

And that’s why another Canadian ETF I’d buy for my TFSA and never consider selling is the BMO Equal Weight Banks ETF (TSX:ZEB).

Instead of trying to pick which Canadian bank will outperform, the ZEB gives you exposure to the entire sector.

That matters because Canadian banks operate in a highly concentrated industry, which makes them all high-quality businesses that benefit from similar long-term trends.

Over time, though, the leaders can change, which is what makes it difficult for retail investors to consistently pick the best performer. So rather than trying to guess which one will come out ahead, owning the entire group can be the simpler and more effective approach.

Now, this doesn’t have to be banks. It can be any sector you understand well and want exposure to. But the idea is the same.

Instead of picking individual names in areas where performance rotates, it can make more sense to just own the whole space and adjust your exposure at the sector level.

And over time, layering these funds on top of a core like XSP and XIU gives you a portfolio that’s diversified, simple, and easy to stick with for the long haul, which is exactly why these three Canadian ETFs are some of the best to buy in a TFSA and never consider selling.

The post 3 Canadian ETFs I’d Tuck Into a TFSA and Never Consider Selling appeared first on The Motley Fool Canada.

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Fool contributor Daniel Da Costa 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