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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

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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.

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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…

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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.

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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…

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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.

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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…

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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%…

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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?”

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Recent Stocks for Beginners News

Stocks for Beginners

Look Out Below! These 2 Stocks Could Be Heading for a Massive Plunge

| Joey Frenette

Here's why IGM Financial Inc. (TSX:IGM) and Magna International Inc. (TSX:MG)(NYSE:MGA) are dangerous stocks that value investors should be careful…

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The Motley Fool
Dividend Stocks

New Investors: 2 Top Canadian Dividend Stocks for Your RRSP

| Andrew Walker

Here's why Fortis Inc. (TSX:FTS)(NYSE:FTS) and Royal Bank of Canada (TSX:RY)(NYSE:RY) might be good picks to launch your RRSP today.

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Dividend Stocks

Should You Buy Stocks Today or Wait for the Correction to Worsen?

| Joey Frenette

When should investors be buying stocks like SmartCentres Real Estate Investment Trust (TSX:SRU.UN)? As soon as they're ready or after…

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Dividend Stocks

These 2 Dividend-Growth Stars Just Raised Their Rates by 4.8%

| Joseph Solitro

Domtar Corp. (TSX:UFS)(NYSE:UFS) and Brookfield Renewable Partners LP (TSX:BEP.UN)(NYSE:BEP) just raised their dividends by 4.8%. Which should you buy today?

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The Motley Fool
Stocks for Beginners

Why You Should Invest in Canada Despite a Decade of Lacklustre Results

| Joey Frenette

The S&P/TSX Composite Index (TSX:^GSPTSE) and individual Canadian stocks have been tough to invest in, but here's why Canadian investors…

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Stocks for Beginners

New Investors: Why Corrections Are Healthy and How to Embrace Them

| Joey Frenette

Canadian National Railway Company (TSX:CNR)(NYSE:CNI) and Fortis Inc. (TSX:FTS)(NYSE:FTS) are currently on sale following the nasty correction. Here's why new…

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Dividend Stocks

3 “Smart Beta” Canadian Stocks That Are Worthy of a Gold Medal

| Joey Frenette

Smart Beta ETFs are all the rage these days. Here's what the buzz is about and how you can use…

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Follow These 5 Tips and Become Filthy Rich!

| Jason Phillips

No one said becoming rich was easy, but the good news is that securing your financial future is completely within…

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Stocks for Beginners

Are You a New Investor Who’s Interested in Marijuana Stocks? Read This!

| Joey Frenette

Canopy Growth Corp. (TSX:WEED) is a compelling opportunity, but how should beginners approach such a risky investment?

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Dividend Stocks

2 Cheap Stocks to Kick-Start Your TFSA Freedom Fund to the Next Level

| Joey Frenette

Canadian National Railway Company (TSX:CNR)(NYSE:CNI) is just one of two stocks that beginners should consider adding to their TFSA freedom…

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Stocks for Beginners

Are Marijuana Stocks the Right Choice in the Current Market Environment?

| Jason Phillips

Right now, there are some truly great companies available at prices investors haven't seen in years. Find out how this…

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Stocks for Beginners

New Investors: Why You Shouldn’t Care How Much a Stock Costs

| David Jagielski

While stocks like Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOGL)(NASDAQ:GOOG) may have high price tags, that really shouldn't matter to investors.

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Stocks for Beginners

It’s RRSP Season: 5 Strategies That Will Help You Save More for Retirement

| Jason Phillips

Learn what you should be doing to secure your financial future and find the next Shopify Inc. (TSX:SHOP)(NYSE:SHOP).

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Dividend Stocks

What Are You Doing With Your RRSP Contributions?

| Kay Ng

Invest for your retirement by considering Starbucks Corporation (NASDAQ:SBUX) and another stock today.

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Dividend Stocks

Start Your TFSA With These 3 Safe Dividend Stocks

| Haris Anwar

Starting your TFSA retirement fund with safe dividend stocks such as Bank of Nova Scotia (TSX:BNS)(NYSE:BNS) is a good strategy for…

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Stocks for Beginners

How to Begin RSP Savings

| Ryan Goldsman

In a rapidly growing market, investors in Shopify Inc. (TSX:SHOP)(NYSE:SHOP) have a lot to look forward to, as the company…

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Stocks for Beginners

A Top Canadian Dividend Stock to Start Your TFSA Pension Fund

| Andrew Walker

Here's how investing in top stocks such as Royal Bank of Canada (TSX:RY)(NYSE:RY) can help you save a substantial pile…

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The Motley Fool
Dividend Stocks

3 Top Canadian Stocks to Launch Your TFSA Retirement Fund

| Andrew Walker

Here's why Fortis Inc. (TSX:FTS)(NYSE:FTS) and another two top Canadian stocks might be good picks to get your TFSA pension…

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Stocks for Beginners

In Your 20s? Take This Canadian Growth Stock for a Spin!

| Joey Frenette

Spin Master Corp. (TSX:TOY) is a red-hot stock that should be in the portfolios of every growth-savvy 20-something.

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The Motley Fool
Stocks for Beginners

A Beginner’s Guide to Bitcoin and Blockchain Technology

| Jason Phillips

It’s safe to say that if you still haven’t heard of Bitcoin, cryptocurrencies, or blockchain technology by now, you’ve probably…

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Dividend Stocks

5 Top Stocks for Your Starter Portfolio

| Karen Thomas, MSc, CFA

A well-rounded, diversified starter portfolio includes top stocks such as CGI Group Inc. (TSX:GIB.A)(NYSE:GIB).

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Dividend Stocks

Young Savers: Here Is the Best Way to Invest Your TFSA Dollars

| Haris Anwar

Investing in top dividend stocks, Toronto-Dominion Bank (TSX:TD)(NYSE:TD), Enbridge Inc. (TSX:ENB) (NYSE:ENB), is the best way for young savers to…

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Stocks for Beginners

Do Cannabis Stocks Belong in Your TFSA for 2018?

| Joey Frenette

Canopy Growth Corp. (TSX:WEED) keeps skyrocketing, but is it a good idea to double down by adding cannabis stocks to…

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The Motley Fool
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New Investors: 3 Types of Stocks You Should Avoid

| Kay Ng

New investors should be especially careful of their stock picks. Avoiding stocks such as Teck Resources Ltd. (TSX:TECK.B)(NYSE:TECK) may not…

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New Investors: What Makes a Great Stock Investment for You?

| Kay Ng

Why do investors love Canadian banks such as Toronto-Dominion Bank (TSX:TD)(NYSE:TD)?

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The Motley Fool
Stocks for Beginners

New Investors: How to Effectively Use the Price-to-Earnings Ratio

| David Jagielski

Toronto-Dominion Bank (TSX:TD)(NYSE:TD) normally trades at a low multiple, but that alone doesn't make the stock a good buy.

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Dividend Stocks

New Investors: A Top Canadian Dividend Stock to Put in Your TFSA for 2018

| Andrew Walker

Here's why Telus Corporation (TSX:T)(NYSE:TU) deserves to be on your radar.

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Dividend Stocks

New to Investing? Avoid These 5 “Rookie” Mistakes

| Jason Phillips

Follow these five tips that will help you avoid common pitfalls of investing in stocks such as Valeant Pharmaceuticals Intl…

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Stocks for Beginners

New Investors: How Can a Stock’s Price-to-Book Ratio Help You?

| Susan Portelance

Have you ever wondered what a price-to-book ratio is and how it helps you invest? We answer those questions here,…

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Dividend Stocks

New Investor? Build Your Portfolio Around These 3 Pillars

| David Jagielski

You can't go wrong by starting off your portfolio with Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (TSX:CM)(NYSE:CM) and these two other blue-chip…

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Stocks for Beginners

Prepare for the Next Stock Market Crash With These Defensive Stocks

| Joey Frenette

As markets surge to all-time highs, now may be the time to consider adding defensive stocks such as Fortis Inc.…

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Stocks for Beginners

Which 2 Stocks Are the Biggest Short Sellers on the TSX Right Now?

| Susan Portelance

Which stocks top the TSX's short sellers list? One is Quebecor, Inc. (TSX:QBR.B). Find out who else tops the list…

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The Motley Fool
Stocks for Beginners

Ring In the Flu Season With Jamieson Wellness Inc.

| Joey Frenette

Jamieson Wellness Inc. (TSX:JWEL) will be one of the few winners of the flu season. Here's why investors should consider…

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The Motley Fool
Dividend Stocks

New Investors: Which Stocks Should You Buy?

| Kay Ng

Should you buy Bank of Nova Scotia (TSX:BNS)(NYSE:BNS) or another stock today?

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Dividend Stocks

3 Top Small Caps With Yields up to 9.1%

| Joseph Solitro

Interested in small caps and dividend stocks? If so, consider investing in Chorus Aviation Inc. (TSX:CHR), Acadian Timber Corp. (TSX:ADN),…

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Dividend Stocks

Dividend Investors: This Costly Mistake Could Cost You Your Retirement

| Joey Frenette

Here's why income investors shouldn't pay huge premiums for high-yield stocks with meagre growth profiles, like BCE Inc. (TSX:BCE)(NYSE:BCE).

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Stocks for Beginners

Why Canada Goose Holdings Inc. Is Soaring Over 10%

| Joseph Solitro

Canada Goose Holdings Inc. (TSX:GOOS)(NYSE:GOOS) is up over 10% following its Q2 2018 earnings release. Should you buy now? Let’s…

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Dividend Stocks

Attention Millennials: 2 Best-in-Class Stocks for Your Starter Portfolio

| Karen Thomas, MSc, CFA

Intact Financial Corporation (TSX:IFC) and Brookfield Infrastructure Partners L.P. (TSX:BIP.UN)(NYSE:BIP) offer strong, steady dividends with good growth ahead.

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Stocks for Beginners

Are Canada’s Airlines Becoming More Recession-Proof?

| Joey Frenette

The airline industry may be taking an industry-wide shift for the better, as Air Canada (TSX:AC)(TSX:AC.B) and WestJet Airlines Ltd.…

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Stocks for Beginners

How to Reach Your First $50,000 in Savings

| Ryan Goldsman

With earnings that have increased consistently, Royal Bank of Canada (TSX:RY)(NYSE:RY) is a fantastic way to get investors to the…

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