Motley Fool Premium
  1. Category
    2. /
  2. Investing
    3. /
  3. Stocks for Beginners
    4. /

Stocks for Beginners

Investing in stocks can feel intimidating at first, but it’s one of the most effective ways to build long-term wealth. For beginners, the key idea to understand is that there’s no “perfect” time to start—because historically, markets have trended upward over long periods despite short-term ups and downs. Whether markets are rising or falling, consistent investing over time has rewarded patient investors, making any time a good time to begin if your focus is long-term growth.

More importantly, the stock market allows your money to work for you, rather than relying solely on your own time and effort to generate income. By investing in stocks, you’re putting your capital to work in businesses that grow, innovate, and generate profits—often compounding returns year after year. Instead of trading hours for dollars, investing gives you the opportunity to build wealth in the background while you focus on your career, goals, or everyday life.

To learn more about Stocks for Beginners and how to actually buy stocks in Canada, take a look at our Guide to How to Start Investing in Canada for all the details.

Top Articles

data center server racks glow with light
Stocks for Beginners

3 Canadian Companies Powering the AI Revolution [PREMIUM PICKS]

| Motley Fool Staff

AI energy consumption is expected to double by 2026, and these companies could be set to profit from the boom.

Read more »

Striking match creates fire and light.
Stocks for Beginners

10 Stocks Every Canadian Should Own in 2025 [PREMIUM PICKS]

| Iain Butler

The Motley Fool's yearly list of "Starter Stocks" is our attempt to answer a simple question: “Where do I go…

Read more »

A celebrity is photographed on a red carpet.
Stocks for Beginners

Can You Guess the 10 Most Popular Canadian Stocks? (If You Own Them, You Might Be Losing Out.)

| Iain Butler

The list is woefully predictable.

Read more »

Striking match creates fire and light.
Stocks for Beginners

Just Released: 10 Stocks Every Canadian Should Own in 2024 [PREMIUM PICKS]

| Iain Butler

The Motley Fool's yearly list of "Starter Stocks" is our attempt to answer a simple question: “Where do I go…

Read more »

top TSX stocks to buy
Stocks for Beginners

Just Released: The 5 Best Stocks to Buy in February 2023 [PREMIUM PICKS]

| Iain Butler

Making money investing in stocks is not hard -- often, all you need is patience.

Read more »

runner ties shoe while stopped on grass outside
Stocks for Beginners

TFSA Investors: 10 Stocks Every Canadian Should Own in 2023 [PREMIUM PICKS]

| Iain Butler

Motley Fool Stock Advisor's yearly list of "Starter Stocks" is our attempt to answer a simple question: “Where do I…

Read more »

two people use AI to examine a house
Stocks for Beginners

Just Released: The 5 Best Stocks to Buy in January 2023 [PREMIUM PICKS]

| Iain Butler

Let’s cut to the chase: It’s absolutely true that shares of Redfin, an online real estate platform, have fallen 93%…

Read more »

Striking match creates fire and light.
Stocks for Beginners

Just Released: 10 Stocks Every Canadian Should Own in 2023 [PREMIUM PICKS]

| Iain Butler

Our yearly list of "Starter Stocks" is our attempt to answer a simple question: “Where do I go first?”

Read more »

Recent Stocks for Beginners News

Stocks for Beginners

Why Every Investor Needs to Start Building a Passive-Income Empire Today

| Kay Ng

Increase your passive income immediately by investing in these solid dividend stocks at cheap valuations in this market downturn.

Read more »

Tech Stocks

TFSA Investors: How to Turn $500 a Month Into $1,000,000

| Kay Ng

This recession-proof tech stock is a must buy in this market crash to propel the growth of your wealth in…

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

Market Crash: How to Retire With $500,000

| Kay Ng

This market crash allows you to retire with the help of this +12% yield stock. Load up on the stock…

Read more »

Coronavirus

TSX Rally Rundown: What’s Hot — and What’s Not — in Stocks This Week

| Victoria Hetherington

Suncor Energy (TSX:SU)(NYSE:SU) has lost almost half its value in the last 12 months. Which stocks are a better buy…

Read more »

Stocks for Beginners

3 Top Stocks for Beginners in 2020

| Vishesh Raisinghani

Top stocks like Shopify (TSX:SHOP)(NYSE:SHOP) should be on your radar for 2020 if you're a beginner.

Read more »

Stocks for Beginners

Buy Air Canada (TSX:AC) Stock Now if You’re Willing to Hold for 2 Years

| Joey Frenette

Air Canada stock (TSX:AC)(TSX:AC.B) is a must-buy for long-term investors who seek outsized gains over the next two years and…

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

Canadian Tire (TSX:CTC.A): Should You Sell This Iconic Stock Today?

| Victoria Hetherington

Canadian Tire Corporation Ltd. (TSX:CTC.A) is responding to the spread of COVID-19. But how are investors reacting to the new…

Read more »

Coronavirus

2 TSX Stocks at All-Time Highs: Should You Buy Them?

| Joey Frenette

Jamieson Wellness Inc. (TSX:JWEL) and another Canadian stock are actually above where they were before the start of the coronavirus…

Read more »

Coronavirus

The Real TSX Stock Market Crash Hasn’t Even Hit Yet

| Victoria Hetherington

Investors can forget the coronavirus market crash. A far worse situation is coming, but stocks like Fortis Inc. (TSX:FTS)(NYSE:FTS) can…

Read more »

Stocks for Beginners

This TSX Growth Stock Could Make You Healthy and Wealthy!

| Robin Brown

You can earn long-term health and wealth by buying this TSX growth stock.

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

2 Top Canadian Stocks to Buy Now

| Kay Ng

Buy top Canadian stocks for substantial gains in the long run and to sleep well at night.

Read more »

Coronavirus

The Coronavirus Market Crash Is Shredding This Asset Class

| Victoria Hetherington

Until the coronavirus crash, this asset class was a highly defensive source of dividends. So should Canadians still buy trusts…

Read more »

close-up photo of investor Warren Buffett
Stocks for Beginners

How to Navigate the Coronavirus Bear Market Like Warren Buffett

| Joey Frenette

Warren Buffett sold some airlines at a loss on the recent bounce in the market and may be ready to…

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

Market Crash Alert: TD Bank (TSX:TD) Stock Just Plunged 22%

| Kay Ng

This stock market crash is not over yet. So, space out your buys to ensure you have cash to put…

Read more »

Coronavirus

RRSP Stocks: 4 Great Wide-Moat TSX Names to Buy and Hold

| Victoria Hetherington

Here’s why Brookfield Renewable Partners LP (TSX:BEP.UN)(NYSE:BEP) and three other names make excellent RRSP stocks at the moment.

Read more »

Coronavirus

Dollarama (TSX:DOL) Is a Must-Buy for the Post-Pandemic Period

| Joey Frenette

Dollarama Inc. (TSX:DOL) looks well poised to outperform when the post-pandemic recession finally hits the Canadian economy.

Read more »

Stocks for Beginners

4 Top TSX Cannabis Stocks to Buy in April

| Victoria Hetherington

Investors seeking top TSX cannabis stocks should stick with bigger names with decent cash runways, such as Canopy Growth (TSX:WEED)(NYSE:CGC).

Read more »

Coronavirus

Retirement Stocks: 1 Great Name for Canadians to Buy in April

| Victoria Hetherington

Here’s why investors seeking only the best Canadian retirement stocks should take a look at the great rack record of…

Read more »

Coronavirus

2 Top TSX Stocks to Buy for a Coronavirus Recession

| Victoria Hetherington

Looking for top TSX stocks that could beat a coronavirus recession? Shopify Inc (TSX:SHOP)(NYSE:SHOP) and at least one other stock…

Read more »

Stocks for Beginners

Warren Buffett: What’s the Deal With Berkshire Hathaway’s (NYSE:BRK.B) Airline Divestments?

| Joey Frenette

Warren Buffett's latest airline share sale is confusing, but I still don't think Canadians should ditch Air Canada (TSX:AC)(TSX:AC.B).

Read more »

close-up photo of investor Warren Buffett
Dividend Stocks

Warren Buffett Advice: How to Build Great Wealth

| Kay Ng

Build great wealth by following Warren Buffett's advice in stock investing. Here are some examples with wonderful businesses and ETFs…

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

2 Top Dividend Stocks to Buy in April 2020

| Kay Ng

Looking for safe dividend income? Consider these top dividend stocks, including Toronto-Dominion Bank (TSX:TD)(NYSE:TD) stock, for April 2020 and beyond.

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

4 Great Canadian Stocks to Buy With Social Distancing Built In

| Victoria Hetherington

Great Canadian stocks like Shopify Inc. (TSX:SHOP)(NYSE:SHOP) and three others have been resilient during the market crash. Here’s why they’re…

Read more »

Stocks for Beginners

Is Bombardier (TSX:BBD.B) Stock an Upside Machine in Disguise?

| Victoria Hetherington

Bombardier, Inc. (TSX:BBD.B) is a falling knife. But has it hit the bottom, and just how much upside could it…

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

Market Crash: Bank on Safe Dividend Stocks

| Kay Ng

In a market crash, it's super helpful to buy safe dividend stocks for juicy passive income. Bank on these 5-6%…

Read more »

Stocks for Beginners

Young Investors: 2 Great Options for Junior Mining Investors

| Chris MacDonald

Young Investor Alert! See my top two junior mining picks: Barrick Gold (TSX:ABX)(NYSE:ABX) and VanEck Vectors Jr. Gold Miners ETF…

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

5 Top TSX Stocks to Invest $5,000 in This April

| Victoria Hetherington

You may have $5,000 to invest this month, or you may have $1,000. From Fortis Inc. (TSX:FTS)(NYSE:FTS) to four other…

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

How to Retire as a Passive Landlord in This Market Crash

| Kay Ng

The market crash allows investors to buy high-yield REITs at super attractive valuations. Become a passive landlord to enjoy their…

Read more »

Stocks for Beginners

Market Crash: 2 Stocks I Wouldn’t Touch With a Barge Pole

| Joey Frenette

Magna International Inc. (TSX:MG)(NYSE:MGA) and another stock that prudent investors would be wise to avoid in the face of a…

Read more »

Stocks for Beginners

A “Stay-at-Home” Stock to Buy Right Now!

| Joey Frenette

A "stay-at-home" stock can help your portfolio hold its own, as the pandemic and looming recession continue to take a…

Read more »

Coronavirus

Is a V-Shaped Recovery on the Way for Stocks?

| Joey Frenette

Should investors brace themselves for a sharp V-shaped recovery, as some pundits in the mainstream financial media are predicting will…

Read more »

Stocks for Beginners

2 Top TSX Defensive Stocks to Own in a Recession

| Robin Brown

Buy these two defensive TSX companies that are providing essentials services during the COVID-19 crisis.

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

6 Great Canadian Retirement Stocks to Buy in April

| Victoria Hetherington

If you’re buying retirement stocks, names like Fortis Inc. (TSX:FTS)(NYSE:FTS) will likely see even deeper discounts this month.

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

TFSA Stocks: 4 TSX Companies to Buy in the Market Crash

| Victoria Hetherington

TFSA stocks like Enbridge Inc. (TSX:ENB)(NYSE:ENB) fit all sorts of investment strategies right now, from value investing to contrarian buying

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

TFSA Investors: If You’ve Got $6,000, Buy This Dividend Stock Right Now

| Joey Frenette

TFSA investors should look to safe dividend stocks like Algonquin Power & Utilities Corp. (TSX:AQN)(NYSE:AQN), as market-wide uncertainties mount.

Read more »

Stocks for Beginners

Is Air Canada (TSX:AC) a Must-Buy at $15?

| Joey Frenette

Air Canada (TSX:AC)(TSX:AC.B) looks unsustainably undervalued, but does it still make sense to buy given the headwinds that will plague…

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

Market Crash: Defensive Stocks for Conservative Investors

| Kay Ng

Defensive stocks give investors a peace of mind. Here are a list of defensive dividend stocks you can consider in…

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

New TSX Investors: Now Is the Time to Buy “Forever Stocks”

| Victoria Hetherington

Stocks like Canadian National Railway (TSX:CNR)(NYSE:CNI) are a great buy for new investors seeking the best TSX names to buy…

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

Forget the Price War: 2 Great Canadian Oil Stocks to Buy in April

| Victoria Hetherington

Here’s why Enbridge Inc. (TSX:ENB)(NYSE:ENB) and one other Canadian oil stock are strong contrarian plays for the long-term value investor.

Read more »

Coronavirus

Optimize Your Investment Strategy During Market Volatility

| Robin Brown

The stock markets have crashed, but take control with a measured, rational investment strategy.

Read more »