10 Best Canadian Stocks To Buy In 2026 And Hold Forever

Last updated: March 29, 2026

The TSX has fallen nearly 7% in March 2026. U.S. tariffs, now at their highest effective rate in decades, have rattled trade-dependent sectors, and the U.S.-Israel war in Iran has sent oil prices above $100 per barrel for the first time since 2022.

Markets that were hitting all-time highs just weeks ago are now pricing in stagflation, supply shocks, and a global growth slowdown simultaneously. For Canadian investors, moments like this have historically been the most important ones to get right.

The good news is that the TSX is home to some of the world’s most durable businesses — dividend-paying energy giants, inflation-resistant retailers, and exceptional compounders that have created generational wealth for patient investors through every cycle before this one. These are the companies built to outperform precisely when markets are this uncertain.

Below, we rank the 10 best Canadian stocks to buy and hold in 2026, selected based on dividend track records, earnings durability, and long-term compounding potential. Whether you are looking for income, growth, or a safe haven for your cash, we have you covered.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Do your own research before making any investment decisions.

How To Buy Stocks In Canada With The Best Investing Apps

Getting started is simpler than you think. Opening an account takes less than 10 minutes, deposits arrive the same day via Interac e-Transfer, and most accounts are approved within 24 hours.

The big banks charge up to $9.95–$20 per trade. That means if you’re investing with TD Bank, RBC, or ScotiaTrade, you’re leaving hard-earned money on the table.

The best investing apps offer zero-commission trading on both Canadian and U.S. listed stocks and ETFs — so you keep more of what you earn. At Questrade and Wealthsimple, you can open a TFSA, RRSP, or FHSA account and compound your gains faster. 

New users get a bonus just for signing up, so that you can start in the green even before you make your first trade.

Next, we’ll walk you through how to get started at Wealthsimple — the best option for Canadians new to investing

1. Open an account: Fill out your personal details and select an account type.
2. Verify your identity: You’ll need a government-issued ID and your Social Insurance Number. This step typically takes a few minutes online.
3. Fund your account: Transfer funds from your bank using Interac e-Transfer, bank transfer, or bill payment. Most deposits are available to invest the same day.
4. Place your first trade: Search for any stock by its TSX ticker symbol and select “buy.” For most beginners, a market order is the simplest choice. It fills immediately at the current price.

Feature	Questrade	Wealthsimple
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Wealthsimple offers simplicity for beginners while Questrade offers a broader set of tools for experienced traders.

Full Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. We may earn a referral fee if you open an account using one of our links, at no additional cost to you. Your support helps keep the site running and allows us to continue to provide up-to-date information at Best Canadian Stocks.

Ranking The Best Canadian Stocks To Buy and Hold In 2026

Canada’s stock market has weathered inflation, rising interest rates, and global uncertainty before, and its strongest companies have rewarded patient investors through every cycle. The current environment, marked by persistent price pressures and volatility tied to geopolitical events, creates exactly the conditions where durable Canadian businesses stand out.

From established dividend payers to exceptional long-term compounders, the TSX offers opportunities across sectors and risk profiles. Below, we rank the best Canadian stocks to buy right now in 2026.

Click to jump to a stock.

1. Barrick Mining (TSX:ABX)
2. Toronto Dominion Bank (TSX:TD)
3. Canadian Tire (TSX:CTC.A)
4. Dollarama (TSX:DOL)
5. Shopify (TSX:SHOP)
6. Telus (TSX:T)
7. Aritzia (TSX:ATZ)
8. Brookfield Asset Management (TSX:BAM)
9. Canadian Natural Resources (TSX:CNQ)
10. Constellation Software (TSX:CSU)

Note: All price data and stock information is sourced from Yahoo Finance. Accurate as of March 29, 2026.

Top-10 Best Canadian Stocks To Buy Right Now

For Canadians investing in 2026, quality matters more than ever. Volatile markets separate resilient businesses from those simply riding a cycle. Our list prioritizes companies with durable earnings, strong balance sheets, and long track records of creating shareholder value.

1. Barrick Mining (TSX:ABX)

• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Price (Previous Close): $53.43
• 52 Week Range: $24.28 – $74.00
• Market Cap: $89.51B
• PE Ratio (TTM): 13.19
• EPS (TTM): 4.05
• Earnings Date: May 6, 2026
• Forward Dividend & Yield: $2.30 (4.31%)
• Ex-Dividend Date: February 27, 2026
• Data as of 2026-03-29.

Barrick Mining Corporation is one of the world’s largest gold producers, with operations spanning four continents and a portfolio of long-life, low-cost mines with decades of productive life remaining.

Gold surged 70% in 2025, and despite a recent pullback, remains well above historic norms, and Barrick is one of the clearest beneficiaries. Full-year revenue reached $16.96 billion, up 31% from 2024, while net earnings soared 133% to $4.99 billion. Q4 alone delivered the highest quarterly earnings per share in company history.

The dividend story is equally compelling. Barrick declared a 140% dividend increase in Q4 2025 and introduced a new policy targeting a total payout of 50% of attributable free cash flow, a signal of genuine confidence in long-term free cash flow generation. At a yield of approximately 4.43%, Barrick offers a rare combination of commodity upside and growing income.

The most significant near-term catalyst is Barrick’s planned IPO of its premier North American gold assets, including its Nevada Gold Mines joint venture and the Fourmile discovery, which is expected by late 2026. Analysts believe this could unlock billions in shareholder value by allowing the market to price those assets at a premium multiple.

For investors seeking inflation protection, Barrick Mining offers a compelling combination of commodity upside and growing income, making it one of the best Canadian mining stocks to own right now.

2. Toronto Dominion Bank (TSX:TD)

• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Price (Previous Close): $126.87
• 52 Week Range: $78.06 – $136.49
• Market Cap: $212.733B
• PE Ratio (TTM): 10.28
• EPS (TTM): 12.34
• Earnings Date: May 28, 2026
• Forward Dividend & Yield: $4.32 (3.41%)
• Ex-Dividend Date: Apr 09, 2026
• Data as of 2026-03-29

Toronto-Dominion Bank is one of Canada’s largest and most widely held stocks on the TSX. With a history spanning more than 150 years and a reputation for conservative, well-managed growth, TD is one of the top blue-chip Canadian stocks.

The past two years have been turbulent. TD’s US$3.09 billion AML settlement with U.S. regulators resulted in an asset cap on its American operations, a meaningful constraint that weighed on sentiment and pushed the stock to a discount relative to peers. That discount is now the opportunity.

Under new CEO Raymond Chun, TD has moved decisively. Q1 2026 delivered record adjusted earnings of $4.2 billion, with EPS of $2.44 beating analyst forecasts by 8.4%. Revenue grew 11% year-over-year, return on equity climbed to 14.2%, and Canadian Personal and Commercial Banking posted record revenue, earnings, and loan volumes. Management reaffirmed guidance for 6-8% EPS growth and a 13% ROE for fiscal 2026.

The asset cap remains in place and most analysts don’t expect it lifted until at least 2027, but TD has proven its diversified model generates record profits even under constraint. When the cap is eventually lifted, U.S. growth re-accelerates from a position of strength.

At a dividend yield of about 3.4% and a valuation still below pre-settlement levels, TD offers patient investors a well-capitalized, recession-tested institution at a price that reflects yesterday’s problems, not tomorrow’s recovery.

3. Canadian Tire (TSX:CTC.A)

• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Price (Previous Close): $181.09
• 52 Week Range: $139.52 – $197.19
• Market Cap: $9.6B
• PE Ratio (TTM): 17.13
• EPS (TTM): 10.57
• Earnings Date: May 7, 2026
• Forward Dividend & Yield: $7.20 (3.90%)
• Ex-Dividend Date: April 29, 2026
• Data as of 2026-03-29.

Canadian Tire Corporation is one of Canada’s most recognizable and resilient retailers, operating a network of over 1,700 stores across its Canadian Tire, SportChek, Mark’s, and Party City banners. With a 100-year history serving Canadian consumers through every economic cycle, it is one of the most durable businesses on the TSX.

The current environment is playing to Canadian Tire’s strengths. As U.S. tariffs reshape consumer behaviour and Canadians increasingly favour domestic retailers over American alternatives, Canadian Tire sits in a uniquely advantaged position. Its revenue is almost entirely domestic, with no meaningful U.S. sales exposure.

The numbers back it up. Full-year 2025 normalized EPS grew 18.6% to $13.77, and Q4 normalized EPS surged 38% to $4.47, beating analyst forecasts by 15.5%. Comparable sales grew 4.1% for the year, with automotive posting its 22nd consecutive quarter of growth and Automotive Service reaching a record $1 billion in annual sales. SportChek comparable sales grew 9.5% in Q4, its sixth consecutive quarter of gains.

CEO Greg Hicks called it “a year of strong sales growth and market share gains,” with Q4 delivering one of the best holiday seasons in recent memory. The company’s True North transformation strategy, now in its second year, is streamlining operations and investing in digital infrastructure, with retail ROIC improving to 11% from 9.8% a year earlier.

Canadian Tire has raised its dividend for 16 consecutive years, with the annual dividend now at $7.20 per share and a yield of approximately 3.9%. The company also announced a $400 million share buyback program through the end of 2026.

With tariff tailwinds at its back, Canadian Tire stock is setting up for a strong push back towards all-time highs.

4. Dollarama (TSX:DOL)

• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Price (Previous Close): $166.76
• 52 Week Range: $147.0 – $209.96
• Market Cap: $45.48B
• PE Ratio (TTM): 35.18
• EPS (TTM): 4.74
• Earnings Date: Jun 10, 2026
• Forward Dividend & Yield: $0.48 (0.29%)
• Ex-Dividend Date: April 17, 2026
• Data as of 2026-03-29.

Headquartered in Montreal, Dollarama has quietly become one of the greatest compounders on the TSX. What started as a regional dollar store chain is now a 1,691-store Canadian retail powerhouse with a rapidly growing international footprint through Dollarcity across Latin America and a nascent but promising presence in Australia.

The business model is built for exactly this moment. Persistent inflation, U.S. tariff-driven cost of living pressures, and growing economic uncertainty are pushing Canadian consumers toward value. Dollarama doesn’t just benefit from that shift; it is the primary destination for it.

Fiscal 2026 results confirmed the model is firing on all cylinders. Full-year sales rose 13.1% to $7.3 billion, EPS grew 13.7% to $4.73, and gross margins held at an exceptional 45.6%. The company met or exceeded guidance on every metric. Internationally, Dollarcity opened 100 net new stores in 2025 and delivered a 47% increase in net earnings attributable to Dollarama, a growth engine that remains underappreciated by the market.

The stock sold off 7.8% on earnings day as investors fixated on Q4 Canadian same-store sales of 1.5%, down from 4.9% the prior year. Management attributed the deceleration entirely to weather and a calendar shift, noting traffic recovered sharply in February once conditions improved. CIBC raised its rating to Outperform shortly after, viewing the pullback as an overreaction. Some of the most patient money in Canadian equities tends to agree.

Capital discipline rounds out the story. Dollarama raised its quarterly dividend 13.4% to $0.12 per share, marking 15 consecutive years of dividend growth, while repurchasing over $834 million in shares during fiscal 2026.

As long as inflation persists and household budgets stay stretched, the traffic keeps coming and the earnings keep growing.

5. Shopify (TSX:SHOP)

• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Price (Previous Close): $155.42
• 52 Week Range: $99.32 – $253.1
• Market Cap: $203.6B
• PE Ratio (TTM): 119.55
• EPS (TTM): 1.31
• Earnings Date: May 7, 2026
• Forward Dividend & Yield: N/A (0.00%)
• Ex-Dividend Date: N/A
• Data as of 2026-03-29.

Shopify is Canada’s largest technology company by market cap and the operating system for global commerce, powering millions of merchants across 175 countries through web stores, retail locations, social platforms, and increasingly, AI agents.

Full-year 2025 revenue grew 30% to $11.56 billion, accelerating from 26% growth in 2024. Free cash flow reached $2 billion for the year, marking ten consecutive quarters of double-digit free cash flow margins. Q1 2026 guidance calls for low-thirties percentage revenue growth, above analyst expectations.

The more important story is what Shopify is building for. President Harley Finkelstein has called agentic commerce potentially the biggest shift in retail since the internet. Shopify isn’t watching that shift happen.

Millions of merchants can now sell directly inside ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Google’s AI Mode, and the Gemini app through Agentic Storefronts, with no separate integrations required. Traffic routed from agentic applications into Shopify stores grew 15x between January 2025 and January 2026. The company co-developed the Universal Commerce Protocol with Google, an open standard for AI-native transactions that already has support from Walmart, Target, Visa, Mastercard, and Stripe.

Shopify sits at the intersection of commerce and financial infrastructure. It processes hundreds of billions in payments annually across its merchant network and has expanded deeper into embedded finance through Shopify Balance, Capital, and Pay, making it one of the Canadian fintech stocks to watch in 2026.

The stock has pulled back sharply from its 2025 highs alongside the broader market selloff in high-multiple tech. For context, readers who followed our original Shopify recommendation in 2023 at $41.09 are sitting on a 378% return at the current price of $155.42, even after the pullback.

Only 18% of retail purchases in the U.S. are made online. Shopify is building the infrastructure that captures what comes next.

6. Telus (TSX:T)

• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Price (Previous Close): $17.73
• 52 Week Range: $17.26 – $23.18
• Market Cap: $27.677B
• PE Ratio (TTM): 24.62
• EPS (TTM): 0.72
• Earnings Date: May 8, 2026
• Forward Dividend & Yield: $1.67 (9.44%)
• Ex-Dividend Date: March 11, 2026
• Data as of 2026-03-29.

Based in Vancouver, Telus is one of Canada’s largest telecommunications companies, serving millions of Canadians with mobile, internet, and TV services while building meaningful positions in healthcare and agricultural technology. It is a more diversified business than its telecom label suggests and one of the more interesting turnaround stories on the TSX.

The headline number is the yield. At approximately 9.44%, Telus has become one of the top Canadian dividend stocks with a yield that has expanded as the stock has fallen nearly 50% from its all-time highs amid concerns over elevated debt. Telus paused its dividend growth program in late 2025, though the quarterly dividend of $0.4184 per share remains intact. Management confirmed the cash dividend payout ratio sits at approximately 70% on a prospective basis, a level they expect to maintain throughout the deleveraging plan.

Telus generated a record $2.2 billion in free cash flow in 2025, up 11% year-over-year and ahead of guidance, while net debt to adjusted EBITDA improved from 3.9x to 3.4x. Capital expenditures are being cut 10% in 2026, and free cash flow guidance of approximately $2.45 billion implies a further 10% increase. The leverage targets are 3.3x by end-2026 and 3.0x by end-2027, at which point dividend growth resumes.

Beyond the balance sheet, outgoing CEO Darren Entwistle used his final earnings call to reframe Telus around AI infrastructure and TELUS Health, targeting approximately $2 billion in AI-related revenue by 2028.

For income investors who believe the plan is executable, a 9.36% yield while the debt comes down is a compelling place to wait.

7. Aritzia (TSX:ATZ)

• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Price (Previous Close): $107.24
• 52 Week Range: $36.51 – $139.59
• Market Cap: $12.41B
• PE Ratio (TTM): 36.60
• EPS (TTM): 2.93
• Earnings Date: Apr 30, 2026
• Forward Dividend & Yield: N/A (0.00%)
• Ex-Dividend Date: N/A
• Data as of 2026-03-29.

Aritzia is a household name among its core Canadian demographic. Most Americans have never heard of the brand. That gap is the investment thesis.

Headquartered in Vancouver, Aritzia has spent the last decade quietly building one of the most compelling retail brands in North America under its Everyday Luxury positioning. In Q3 fiscal 2026, it crossed $1 billion in quarterly revenue for the first time, posting $1.04 billion in net revenue, 43% above the prior year and well above the top end of its own guidance range. Comparable sales grew 34% across all channels and all geographies. Free cash flow surged 175% to $286 million. The company ended the quarter with $620 million in cash and no debt.

The U.S. is where the story gets interesting. U.S. net revenue grew 54% in Q3, yet brand awareness sits at just 14% compared to Lululemon’s 73%. New stores generate approximately $10 million in revenue on a $4 million investment, with payback periods of 12 to 18 months. Management has identified over 180 to 200 viable US locations and is opening 12 new US boutiques in fiscal 2026 alone. CEO Jennifer Wong called the US momentum “exceptional,” and management described the holiday season following Q3 as record-breaking.

Tariffs are a real headwind, expected to create approximately 400 basis points of gross margin pressure in fiscal 2026. Aritzia is absorbing half directly and mitigating the rest through supply chain diversification and vendor cost-sharing. Excluding tariff impact, adjusted EBITDA margins would be tracking at 19.3% to 19.8%. Even with that pressure fully in the numbers, the company is still guiding for 33% full-year revenue growth to $3.615 to $3.640 billion.

Aritzia pays no dividend and carries no debt. It is reinvesting everything into the US opportunity, and the numbers suggest that bet is paying off ahead of schedule.

8. Brookfield Asset Management (TSX:BAM)

• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
• Price (Previous Close): $48.49
• 52 Week Range: $36.61 – $55.18
• Market Cap: $22.482B
• PE Ratio (TTM): 28.27
• EPS (TTM): 2.12
• Earnings Date: N/A
• Forward Dividend & Yield: $2.75 (4.55%)
• Ex-Dividend Date: February 26, 2026
• Data as of 2026-03-28.

Brookfield Asset Management is one of the world’s leading alternative asset managers, overseeing more than $1 trillion in assets across renewable energy, infrastructure, real estate, private equity, and credit. Headquartered in Toronto, it has built a global investment platform that ranks among the most respected in the world, and 2025 was its strongest year since listing.

Fee-related earnings grew 22% to a record $3 billion, or $1.84 per share. Distributable earnings reached $2.7 billion, up 14%. Fee-bearing capital crossed $600 billion after growing 12% year-over-year, supported by record fundraising of $112 billion in 2025 and a record $66 billion deployed. FRE margins expanded to 61% in Q4, reflecting the operating leverage inherent in the asset management model as the fee base scales.

Incoming CEO Connor Teskey, who takes over from legendary Bruce Flatt in one of the most telegraphed and orderly CEO successions in Canadian corporate history, described 2025 as a record year across fundraising, deployment, and monetizations, adding that the results support the board’s decision to raise the quarterly dividend 15% to $0.5025 per share.

Management guides for mid-to-high teens FRE growth in 2026, with $130 billion in uncalled commitments already in place. The AI infrastructure buildout is a significant near-term catalyst, with Brookfield having launched a $100 billion AI infrastructure program with $5 billion committed so far.

The business earns highly recurring fee income on capital locked up for years or decades. That predictability, combined with a growing dividend and a new CEO with deep institutional knowledge, makes Brookfield an interesting stock to add to your 2026 watchlist.

9. Canadian Natural Resources (TSX:CNQ)

• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
• Price (Previous Close): $69.46
• 52 Week Range: $34.92 – $70.44
• Market Cap: $144.9B
• PE Ratio (TTM): 13.46
• EPS (TTM): 5.16
• Earnings Date: May 7, 2026
• Forward Dividend & Yield: $2.50 (3.60%)
• Ex-Dividend Date: March 20, 2026
• Data as of 2026-03-29.

Headquartered in Calgary, Canadian Natural Resources is one of Canada’s largest oil and natural gas producers, with a portfolio of long-life, low-decline assets that generate consistent free cash flow across commodity price cycles. President Scott Stauth called 2025 the “best operational year in the Company’s long history” and the numbers back it up.

Full-year 2025 production hit a record 1,571,000 BOE per day, up 15% year-over-year. Adjusted net earnings were $7.4 billion, or $3.56 per share, and adjusted funds flow reached $15.5 billion. CNQ returned approximately $9 billion to shareholders in 2025 alone, including $4.9 billion in dividends and $1.4 billion in share repurchases, while simultaneously reducing net debt by $2.7 billion. Q4 set another record at 1,659,000 BOE per day, with Oil Sands Mining and Upgrading running at 105% utilization and industry-leading operating costs of US$15.66 per barrel.

The dividend track record is without parallel among Canadian energy stocks. CNQ has raised its dividend for 26 consecutive years, through commodity cycles, recessions, a global pandemic, and inflationary shocks. The 26-year compound annual growth rate is 20%. Following the Q4 results, the board approved a further 6.4% increase, bringing the annualized dividend to $2.50 per share.

Looking ahead, CNQ raised its 2026 production guidance to 1,615,000 to 1,665,000 BOE per day following a strategic acquisition in Q1 2026, while simultaneously reducing its 2026 capital forecast by $310 million. More production, less spending.

Twenty-six years. Twenty percent compounded. That is the CNQ dividend story in two numbers.

10. Constellation Software (TSX:CSU)

• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
• Price (Previous Close): $2,358.89
• 52 Week Range: $2,196.0 – $5,300.00
• Market Cap: $49.98B
• PE Ratio (TTM): 70.92
• EPS (TTM): 33.26
• Earnings Date: N/A
• Forward Dividend & Yield: $5.43 (0.23%)
• Ex-Dividend Date: March 27, 2026
• Data as of 2026-03-29.

Constellation Software is the most remarkable long-term compounder on the Toronto Stock Exchange. It is also, by most measures, the best business ever built in Canada.

Founded by Mark Leonard in 1995, Constellation acquires vertical market software businesses: the niche, mission-critical tools that run specific industries from veterinary clinics to utility operators to property managers. Once an organization depends on software embedded in its daily operations, it almost never switches providers. Constellation exploits that stickiness by acquiring these businesses permanently, improving them, and compounding returns over decades. Nearly 75% of revenue is recurring maintenance and subscription fees — the kind of revenue that does not disappear in a downturn.

Since its 2006 IPO, Constellation has delivered a compound annual growth rate of 28.22%, growing from a $387 million market cap to more than $51 billion. Full-year 2025 revenue grew 18% to $11.6 billion, with cash flows from operations up 24% to $2.73 billion. Free cash flow available to shareholders grew 14% for the year to $1.68 billion. The company continues to deploy capital into acquisitions at a disciplined pace, completing $472 million in Q4 alone while also introducing a new Permanent Engaged Minority Shareholder strategy to deploy larger amounts of capital as long-term minority holders in businesses too large for outright acquisition.

The stock has pulled back nearly 50% from its 52-week high on fears that AI will erode the moats of vertical software businesses. On the Q4 earnings call, President Mark Miller addressed the concern directly: “There’s real noise in the market now about AI disrupting software businesses, and we take that very seriously. But we think we’re well positioned.” The data supports that confidence — organic growth in maintenance and recurring revenue, the most sensitive indicator of AI-driven churn, remains healthy at 5% to 6% on a constant currency basis. No cracks.

CSU shares trade at approximately $2,448 against a consensus analyst price target of $4,226, with every analyst covering the stock rating it a Buy. The AI selloff has created the kind of entry point that rarely appears in a business of this quality.

Ranking The Top 5 Investing Apps in Canada

There are several stock trading apps available in Canada, which can make it confusing for investors who are just getting started. But choosing the right platform matters nearly as much as picking the right companies to invest in.

Here are the five best investing apps available to Canadians in 2026.

1. Questrade – $50 cash back rebate when you deposit $250 or more
2. Wealthsimple Trade – $25 in free cash when you deposit at least $100
3. Interactive Brokers – Top choice for active options traders in Canada
4. CIBC Investor’s Edge – Free trades for investors age 18 to 24
5. Desjardins Online Brokerage – Free investment training and analytics tools

Both Questrade and Wealthsimple offer zero-commission trading on Canadian and U.S. stocks and ETFs. For investors just getting started, Wealthsimple is the simpler experience.

As your portfolio grows and your strategy becomes more sophisticated, Questrade’s broader account types and advanced tools give you more room to operate. Either way, you are paying $0 in commissions, which is more than can be said for your bank.

For options traders, Interactive Brokers has some of the lowest commission fees for option contracts in Canada, which allows traders to keep more of their earnings on winning trades.

Toronto Stock Exchange

Based in the EY Tower in Toronto’s Financial District, the Toronto Stock Exchange is a wholly owned subsidiary of the TMX Group and the third largest stock exchange in North America by market capitalization. As of January 2026, the TSX carried a market capitalization of approximately $6.35 trillion CAD, making it one of the most significant exchanges in the world.

More mining and oil and gas companies are listed on the TSX than on any other stock exchange in the world, making it the global hub for resource investment. The exchange is also home to all five of Canada’s major commercial banks and some of its largest technology and financial services companies, giving it sector depth that few exchanges outside New York and London can match.

Together with its venture arm, the TSXV, the exchange lists more than 3,200 Canadian companies, ranging from large-cap blue chips to early-stage resource companies. On trading days, the market is open from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm ET, with a post-trading session until 5:00 pm ET.

Top-10 Dividend Stocks In Canada

In a market this volatile, dividend stocks are one of the few places Canadian investors can get paid to wait.

The stocks below represent the best dividend payers on the TSX, rated on a five-star scale based on current buy attractiveness, not just business quality.

A great company at the wrong price earns fewer stars than a good company at the right one.

Stock	Rating	Forward Dividend	Yield
Fortis (FTS)	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	$2.54	3.28%
Enbridge (ENB)	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	$3.88	5.12%
Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD)	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	$4.32	3.41%
BCE Inc. (BCE)	⭐⭐⭐⭐	$1.28	5.06%
Emera (EMA)	⭐⭐⭐⭐	$2.92	4.09%
National Bank (NA)	⭐⭐⭐⭐	$4.96	2.79%
TELUS Corporation (T)	⭐⭐⭐⭐	$1.67	9.44%
Algonquin Power & Utilities (AQN)	⭐⭐⭐	$0.36	4.14%
Royal Bank (RY)	⭐⭐⭐	$6.56	2.98%
Brookfield Infrastructure Partners (BIP-UN)	⭐⭐⭐	$2.75	4.55%

*All forward dividends and yields as of March 29, 2026 via Yahoo Finance Dividend yields subject to change with share price. 

Which Canadian Stocks Have The Highest Dividend Yield?

The highest-yielding stocks on the TSX are typically found in telecommunications, energy infrastructure, and pipelines. 

Among well-known names, Telus currently leads with a yield of approximately 9.44, one of the highest yields available from a major Canadian company with an established business and a credible deleveraging plan.

Enbridge yields approximately 5.12% backed by 31 consecutive years of dividend increases, and BCE offers approximately 5.06%, though investors should note BCE reduced its dividend in 2025.

That said, a high yield is not always a sign of value.

It can signal that the market expects a dividend cut, that the company faces structural headwinds, or that the payout ratio is unsustainable.

Before chasing yield, examine free cash flow coverage and dividend growth history.

A sustainable 4% yield from a company like CNQ, with 26 consecutive years of increases, is worth far more than a 9% yield from a company with a payout ratio above 200%.

Best Canadian Penny Stocks

Some of Canada’s most successful companies started as small-caps or penny stocks. For investors with higher risk tolerance, the TSX Venture Exchange offers access to early-stage resource, technology, and specialty companies that can deliver outsized returns when management executes.

One name worth watching is Avanti Helium Corp. (TSXV:AVN), trading at approximately $0.51 with a market cap of $61 million. Avanti is focused on the exploration, development, and production of helium across western Canada and the United States. Its Sweetgrass Helium Project in Montana is expected to enter production in 2026, targeting the U.S. market directly.

Helium is irreplaceable in medical imaging, semiconductor manufacturing, and aerospace, and global supply is increasingly concentrated in geopolitically sensitive regions. Avanti has urged the U.S. government to formally designate helium as a critical mineral, a move that would accelerate demand for North American production.

The stock has returned over 291% in the past year and has already surpassed analyst expectations, but the thesis remains intact for investors willing to accept early-stage risk.

Penny stock investing requires significantly more due diligence than buying established blue-chip companies. Key risks include limited liquidity, short financial histories, and exposure to single-project business models with no guaranteed path to revenue. Position sizing matters and no single penny stock position should represent more than a small fraction of a diversified portfolio.

To find the best Canadian penny stocks to buy right now, use a free stock screener and focus on companies with experienced management teams, defined assets or revenue, and realistic capital structures that are currently in an upward trend above their 50-day moving average.

2026 Stock Market Holidays in Canada and the U.S.

The Canadian and U.S. stock markets are closed on the following days in 2026:

Canadian Holidays

• New Year’s Day: Thursday, January 1, 2026
• Family Day: Monday, February 16, 2026
• Good Friday: Friday, April 3, 2026
• Victoria Day: Monday, May 18, 2026
• Canada Day: Wednesday, July 1, 2026
• Civic Holiday: Monday, August 3, 2026
• Labour Day: Monday, September 7, 2026
• Thanksgiving Day: Monday, October 12, 2026
• Christmas Day: Friday, December 25, 2026
• Boxing Day: Monday, December 28, 2026

U.S. Holidays

• Martin Luther King, Jr. Day: Monday, January 19, 2026
• Memorial Day: Monday, May 25, 2026
• Juneteenth National Independence Day: Friday, June 19, 2026
• Independence Day: Friday, July 3, 2026 (observed)
• Thanksgiving Day: Thursday, November 26, 2026
• Christmas Day: Friday, December 25, 2026

Best Canadian Stocks To Buy By Sector

• Energy – Enbridge Inc. (TSX:ENB)
• Mining – Barrick Mining (TSX:ABX)
• Industrials – Thomson Reuters (TSX:TRI)
• Utilities – Fortis (TSX:FTS)
• Healthcare – Jamieson Wellness Inc (TSX:JWEL)
• Bank Stocks – Toronto Dominion Bank (TSX:TD)
• Consumer Discretionary – Dollarama (TSX:DOL)
• Consumer Staples – Loblaw Companies (TSX:L)
• Technology – Shopify (TSX:SHOP)
• Communication Services – Telus (TSX:T)
• REIT Stocks – Granite Real Estate Investment Trust (TSX:GRT.UN)

Most Expensive Stocks in the World

At approximately $703,700 USD per share, Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE:BRK.A) is the most expensive stock in the world by a significant margin — and it isn’t particularly close.

The stock hit an all-time high of $812,855 in early 2025 before pulling back alongside broader market volatility.

The reason for the extraordinary price is simple: Berkshire has never split its Class A shares.

Legendary investor Warren Buffett, who stepped down as CEO in early 2026 with Greg Abel now at the helm, long argued that a high share price attracts long-term investors and discourages short-term speculation. With only around 640,000 Class A shares available to the public, scarcity has compounded the effect of decades of earnings growth.

Berkshire owns GEICO, BNSF Railway, Berkshire Hathaway Energy, and dozens of industrial and consumer companies, while holding significant stakes in Apple, Coca-Cola, and American Express.

Currently, its market cap sits at approximately $1 trillion USD.

Most Expensive Canadian Stocks

The most expensive stocks in Canada are simply those trading at the highest price per share on the TSX. Unlike Berkshire Hathaway, which deliberately avoids splits, most of these companies have split their shares before.

Instead, their high prices simply reflect strong long-term performance.

Here are the top-10 most expensive stocks in Canada, according to their latest share price.

1. Constellation Software (TSX:CSU) — $2,358.89 CAD
2. Fairfax Financial Holdings (TSX:FFH) — $2,308.98 CAD
3. Celestica Inc. (TSX:CLS) — $388.66 CAD
4. Franco-Nevada Corp. (TSX:FNV) — $324.25 CAD
5. Agnico Eagle Mines (TSX:AEM) — $268.22 CAD
6. Intact Financial Corp. (TSX:IFC) — $246.60 CAD
7. Bombardier Inc. (TSX:BBD.B) — $237.37 CAD
8. Lassonde Industries (TSX:LAS.A) — $229.00 CAD
9. Royal Bank of Canada (TSX:RY) — $219.85 CAD
10. Waste Connections (TSX:WCN) — $216.70 CAD

*Note: all Canadian stock prices as of March 29, 2026. Information sourced via Globe and Mail stock screener.

Types of Investment Accounts in Canada

It is crucial to have the right mix of investments in a portfolio. There are different investment accounts in Canada and they are categorized as either a Non-registered account or a Registered account which can be a TFSA, RRSP, or FHSA.

A Non-Registered account is either cash or a margin account. Continue reading to learn more about the investment accounts available in Canada.

1. Non-Registered Account

A Non-registered account is attractive because there are no limits on how much an investor can add to or remove from the account.

Another advantage of this account for investors is that anyone over the age of 18 can open this account. However, the drawback is that income earned on investments in the account is subject to tax. The tax liability will depend on the investment income earned.

2. TFSA — Tax-Free Savings Account

A TFSA unlike a non-registered account is a tax-free savings account that allows investors to invest a certain amount in a year tax-free. It is available to any Canadian over 18 years with a valid social insurance number.

The yearly contribution limit for 2026 is $7,000. The lifetime contribution limit for individuals that were born before 1991 is $109,000 while those born after 1991 will have a smaller total contribution limit. Any unused contribution can be rolled over from one year into the next.

Investments held in a TFSA are tax-free, however, any amount above the contribution limit will be taxed at a rate of 1% for each month it was above the limit.

Changes in your investment value can change how much you have to invest in the future. For example, if an investor invested $10000 and it rose to $15,000 and they withdraw, they would have the $15,000 in addition to contribution next year available for their TFSA. On the other hand, if the $10000 investment fell to $2000 and it is withdrawn, the investor will only have $2000 plus the yearly contribution available in their account.

Withholding tax may apply to foreign dividend-producing investments. Investments in US dividend-paying companies incur a 15% withholding tax.

3. RRSP — Registered Retirement Savings Plan

A Registered Retirement Savings Plan is a savings and investment plan purely for retirement and is only available to individuals below 69 years.

It is amazing for investors because contributions paid into it during the working years of an individual are deducted from the taxable income so it, therefore, reduces income tax.

Withdrawals can be made at any point but withholding tax will be paid on it and is also included as income when tax is filed unless withdrawals are used for the purchase of a first-time home through the Home Buyers’ Plan or for funding education through the Lifelong Learning Plan.

However, the withdrawals have to be paid back to the account under the applicable timeline to qualify for the two plans.

The RRSP matures when an individual turns 71 and can be withdrawn in three ways:

• A One-time Withdrawal will be subject to withholding tax and included as income in income tax filing.
• An Annuity can be purchased that will pay a guaranteed income for life or for a specific period. Withholding tax is not paid but since it is income, it may be taxable.
• It can be converted to a Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF) which will pay a constant retirement income.

There’s a minimum amount that must be withdrawn each year and will be included as taxable income but no withholding tax is paid on it unless it exceeds the limit.

4. Margin Account

A Margin account is a non-registered account offered by a stockbroking company that allows an investor to borrow to buy securities. A margin account gives more buying power compared to having to deposit cash before being able to buy.

Margin accounts are risky as an investor can lose more than they invested because there’s usually a fee paid to the stockbroker for borrowing.

An investor can get a margin call which is when the value of securities in their account falls below a certain level, called the maintenance margin, and therefore the holder of the account will need to deposit more cash or sell securities to meet the margin requirements.

The interest cost can be removed from the taxable income generated in the account.

The Basics of TFSA Investing in Canada

Tax-free savings accounts are a relatively new addition to the investment options available to Canadians.

In Canada, TFSA accounts give residents a tax haven to accumulate wealth and plan for their financial goals.

TFSA accounts allow Canadians to contribute a portion of their earnings, buy investments, and grow their net worth without paying taxes on their capital gains.

Below, we’ll go over everything you need to know about tax-free savings accounts in Canada.

What Is A TFSA Account?

Also known as a TFSA, a tax-free savings account is an investment account that acts as a tax shelter for Canadians.

Introduced in 2009, tax-free savings accounts give Canadians an additional savings vehicle to start to grow their wealth.

In Canada, a TFSA can hold cash, guaranteed investment certificates (GICs), mutual funds, index funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), or other investment products.

Unlike RRSP accounts, investing in a TFSA does not come with any associated tax deductions.

As a result, Canadians will not receive an immediate tax break when investing in a TFSA.

Instead, TFSA investors defer their tax breaks until they withdraw their cash.

Since TFSA withdrawals are not subject to taxation, Canadians who invest cash in their tax-free savings account do not pay taxes on the capital gains from their investments.

According to a BMO study, 63 percent of Canadians own a TFSA. The average TFSA in Canada holds $34,917, which means many Canadians have already started reaping the benefits of tax-free savings.

TFSA Limits

Like other registered accounts in Canada, a TFSA comes with a yearly contribution limit, which is the maximum amount that Canadians can contribute tax-free.

Once money enters a TFSA, the money cannot be taxed by the Canada Revenue Agency.

TFSA contribution limits are cumulative. This means that if you do not deposit the maximum amount in one year, the remainder will roll over, increasing your contribution limit in the following years.

Since TFSA accounts were introduced in 2009 and are only available to people age 18 or older, Canadians born in 1991 or earlier are allowed the maximum contribution limit.

If you were born before 1991, you can deposit a total of $109,000.

For Canadians born after 1991, the maximum cumulative contribution limit will decrease depending on the year that they turned 18 years old.

For a complete breakdown of the TFSA contribution limits by year, scroll down below.

Year That You Turned 18	Annual TFSA Contribution Limit	Maximum Cumulative Contribution Limit
2026	$7,000	$7,000
2025	$7,000	$14,000
2024	$7,000	$21,000
2023	$6,500	$13,500
2022	$6,000	$19,500
2021	$6,000	$25,500
2020	$6,000	$31,500
2019	$6,000	$37,500
2018	$5,500	$43,000
2017	$5,500	$48,500
2016	$5,500	$54,000
2015	$10,000	$64,000
2014	$5,500	$69,500
2013	$5,500	$75,000
2012	$5,000	$80,000
2011	$5,000	$85,000
2010	$5,000	$90,000
2009 or Earlier	$5,000	$109,000

Are TFSA Contributions Tax Deductible?

No, TFSA contributions are not tax deductible.

Unlike RRSPs, investing money in your tax-free savings account will not directly lead to paying less in taxes.

However, since TFSA withdrawals are not taxed, any capital gains will be off-limits from Canada Revenue Agency.

What is the Annual TFSA Contribution Limit in 2026?

In 2026, the annual TFSA contribution limit is $7,000.

For Canadians born in 1991 or earlier, the cumulative TFSA contribution limit is $109,000.

Top-5 Canadian Growth Stocks To Buy In Your TFSA Account

Check out some of the best TFSA stocks to buy in Canada right now.

1. Dollarama (TSX:DOL)
2. Aritzia (TSX:ATZ)

Saving for Retirement in Canada with an RRSP

Saving for retirement might not be sexy but it makes both dollars and sense for Canadians that are smart with their money.

Not only does investing in an RRSP account help citizens save for retirement, but it can also help Canadians reduce their taxes too.

A Government of Canada study from 2019 indicates that 69 percent of Canadians are preparing for retirement but less than half of Canadians know how much they need to save.

Before we go over some of the best Canadian stocks to buy for retirement, let’s go over some basics about an RRSP account.

What Is An RRSP?

An RRSP, or Registered Retirement Savings Plan, is an account that you create, register, and contribute to over the course of your working life in order to save for retirement.

When you retire, you can convert your account to a Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF) and withdraw an income.

An RRSP account lets you save for your retirement by deferring taxes on your investment earnings

Investments inside an RRSP are not taxed until they are withdrawn, which allows Canadians to build wealth faster.

RRSP contributions are also tax-deductible, meaning that Canadians will ultimately pay less tax and save more money by choosing to save for retirement.

Canadians can also use their RRSP to help with the down payment on their first home through the Home Buyers’ Plan.

RRSP Limits and Deductions

An RRSP account comes with certain benefits but there are also limits and restrictions associated with saving for retirement.

Check out some of the RRSP limits and deductions below.

• 2026 RRSP deduction limit — $33,810 or 18% of your earned income from the previous year, whichever is lower
• First-time home buyers RRSP limit —  $60,000 or $120,000 per couple (if both are first-time home buyers)
• The age at which contributions stop and your RRSP must be converted to an income option (like a RRIF) — 71

For a complete breakdown of the RRSP limits from 1991-2026, check out the chart below.

Year	RRSP Contribution Limit
2026	$33,810
2025	$32,490
2024	$31,560
2023	$30,780
2022	$29,210
2021	$27,830
2020	$27,230
2019	$26,500
2018	$26,230
2017	$26,010
2016	$25,370
2015	$24,930
2014	$24,270
2013	$23,820
2012	$22,970
2011	$22,450
2010	$22,000
2009	$21,000
2008	$20,000
2007	$19,000
2006	$18,000
2005	$16,500
2004	$15,500
2003	$14,500
2002	$13,500
2001	$13,500
2000	$13,500
1999	$13,500
1998	$13,500
1997	$13,500
1996	$13,500
1995	$14,500
1994	$13,500
1993	$12,500
1992	$12,500
1991	$11,500

How to Open an RRSP Account

Canadians who want to save for retirement should consider opening an RRSP account with a financial institution or online brokerage.

The top investing apps in Canada make it easy to sign up, fund, and buy stocks in an RRSP account.

Canadians can simply fill out some of their personal information, verify their identity, and use a number of secure payment options to add funds to their retirement account.

From there, investors can purchase different investment products, buy the best Canadian stocks or simply leave their retirement funds in cash.

Not only does investing in your RRSP account help you save for retirement, but it also provides Canadians with a tax break and leverage for a down payment on their first home.

The Best Canadian Stocks To Buy In Your RRSP Account

Saving for retirement in an RRSP is one of the most tax-efficient strategies available to Canadians. Contributions reduce your taxable income immediately, and any growth inside the account compounds tax-deferred until withdrawal.

That way, more of your money stays invested for longer, without annual taxation eating into your returns.

When it comes to choosing what stocks to buy and hold in your RRSP account, dividend stocks are a natural fit for investors. Most Canadians saving for retirement aren’t planning to touch that money for decades, a time horizon that aligns well with dividend investing’s core strength. Income accumulates, reinvests itself, and compounds quietly in the background while you get on with your life.

Among the strongest candidates heading into 2026 are Canada’s major bank stocks. These are institutions with century-long track records of paying and growing dividends through recessions, rate cycles, and financial crises. Stability, not speculation, is what RRSP investors are buying — and on that front, Canada’s major banks have few peers.

1. Royal Bank Stock
2. TD Bank Stock
3. National Bank Stock

Scroll down below to learn more about some of the best stocks to buy in your RRSP account.

1. Royal Bank (TSX:RY)

• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Price (Closing): $219.85 (+33.86% over the last year)
• 52 Week Range: $151.25 – $240.34
• Avg. Volume: 3,472,623
• Market Cap: 306.903B
• PE Ratio (TTM): 15.11
• EPS (TTM): 14.55
• Earnings Date: May 28, 2026
• Forward Dividend & Yield: 6.56 (2.98%)
• Ex-Dividend Date: Apr 23, 2026

Royal Bank enters 2026 in the strongest position of any Canadian bank.

Full-year 2025 profits totalled $20.4 billion, up 25% from the prior year, driven by growth across virtually every division and the successful integration of HSBC Canada.

In Q4 alone, RBC reported record earnings of $5.4 billion, and raised its quarterly dividend by 6%. The bank also lifted its medium-term return on equity target to 17% or above, a combination that reflects genuine earnings power rather than one-off tailwinds.

The HSBC acquisition has proven well-timed, expanding RBC’s commercial footprint at scale and delivering cost synergies expected to reach approximately $740 million annually by fiscal 2026. Wealth management and capital markets have been standouts throughout, and the bank looks positioned to sustain mid-teens EPS growth into the year ahead.

The main caveat is valuation. Analyst consensus sits firmly in Buy territory, but 12-month price targets are now close to current trading levels, suggesting much of the 2025 upside is already priced in. Retail credit losses are also expected to remain elevated through 2026 as mortgage renewal payment shocks work through the portfolio.

For long-term RRSP investors, neither concern should be disqualifying. Credit cycles are a normal part of banking, and RBC has the capital and earnings power to absorb them. What you are buying here is a decade-long compounder with one of the strongest dividend growth records in the country.

2. Toronto Dominion Bank (TSX:TD)

• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Price (Closing): $126.87 (+45.34% over the last year)
• 52 Week Range: $78.06 – $136.49
• Avg. Volume: 6,018,515
• Market Cap: 212.733B
• PE Ratio (TTM): 10.28
• EPS (TTM): 12.34
• Earnings Date: 4.32 (3.41%)
• Forward Dividend & Yield: 4.96 (2.79%)
• Ex-Dividend Date: Apr 9, 2026

One of the best blue-chip stocks in Canada, TD is best understood as a deep-value recovery play. Its story heading into 2026 is more complex than its peers, but for patient RRSP investors, that complexity is worth understanding before dismissing. 

Following its US$3+ billion AML settlement with U.S. regulators in 2024, the largest such fine ever imposed on a depository institution, TD is subject to an asset cap and multi-year monitorship on its U.S. operations. 

As of late 2025, the bank had completed the majority of required remediation actions, though regulatory approval of its enhanced controls remains pending.

New CEO Raymond Chun has moved quickly to sharpen the bank’s focus. TD is divesting its roughly 10% stake in Charles Schwab to recycle capital back into core businesses, and plans to repurchase $6 to $7 billion of its own shares in 2026. 

Meanwhile, its Canadian retail franchise continues to perform steadily, and a dividend track record spanning 168 years gives income-focused RRSP investors a reliable base of income through whatever the U.S. resolution process brings.

Investors willing to hold through the regulatory resolution period may find the current valuation discount rewarding over a long RRSP horizon. Those who prefer near-term clarity may want to wait for firmer evidence of U.S. earnings recovery before adding.

3. National Bank (TSX:NA)

• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Price (Closing): $177.49 (+47.48% over the last year)
• 52 Week Range: $106.67 – $193.71
• Avg. Volume: 1,585,020
• Market Cap: 69.275B
• PE Ratio (TTM): 17.12
• EPS (TTM): 10.37
• Earnings Date: May 27, 2026
• Forward Dividend & Yield: 4.96 (2.79%)
• Ex-Dividend Date: Mar 30, 2026

National Bank enters 2026 with the most compelling growth story among the top Canadian bank stocks.

Long regarded as a Quebec-centric regional bank, it has been executing a deliberate national expansion for several years, and the results are now arriving in force. In Q1 fiscal 2026, the bank posted a 26% jump in net income to $1.254 billion, driven by strong performance across all segments and the consolidation of Canadian Western Bank.

The CWB acquisition, completed in early 2025, is integrating faster than expected. Annualized synergies reached $247 million in Q1 2026, approaching the bank’s $270 million target ahead of schedule. National Bank has also added Laurentian Bank’s retail and SME loan portfolio, bringing roughly $3.3 billion in retail loans and $7.6 billion in retail deposits into its network.

The main risk is execution. Integrating multiple acquisitions simultaneously creates real complexity, and Morningstar has flagged the stock as appearing overvalued relative to its fair value estimate. With a CET1 ratio of 13.8%, among the highest of the Big Six, the capital buffer is reassuring, and some analysts see room for two dividend increases in 2026.

For RRSP investors with a long time horizon, National Bank is a rare thing among Canadian bank stocks: a well-capitalized institution still in the middle of its growth story.

Most Undervalued Canadian Stocks That Look Cheap

1. Saturn Oil & Gas Inc. (TSX:SOIL)

Saturn is a Calgary-based oil producer trading at a P/E of just 7.22 with a 52-week return of over 187%. Q4 2025 production hit a record 43,657 BOE per day, exceeding guidance by over 1,100 BOE per day, while the company repaid $110 million in debt and exited 2025 with $761 million in net debt. Management has guided for 39,000 to 41,000 BOE per day in 2026 with a free funds flow yield that looks attractive at current oil prices. With all four analysts covering the stock rating it a Buy and oil above $100 per barrel, Saturn is generating significant cash relative to its market cap.

2. Aecon Group Inc. (TSX:ARE)

Aecon posted record 2025 revenue of $5.43 billion, up 28% year-over-year, with a record backlog of $10.7 billion entering 2026. Q4 EPS of $0.52 beat consensus by 64%. The company is now involved in virtually every major nuclear project in Canada, was selected to deliver the G7’s first grid-scale small modular reactor at Darlington, and is expanding into U.S. nuclear through the Cascade SMR joint venture. Analysts rate the stock undervalued, with price targets ranging from $41 to $52 against a current price of approximately $41. The market hasn’t fully caught up to how much the business has improved.

3. Avanti Helium Corp. (TSXV:AVN)

Avanti is a sub-$1 helium exploration and production company with a Sweetgrass Project in Montana expected to enter production in 2026. Helium is irreplaceable in medical imaging, semiconductor manufacturing, and aerospace, and global supply is increasingly concentrated in geopolitically sensitive regions. The stock has returned over 291% in the past year and has already surpassed analyst expectations. For investors willing to accept early-stage risk, the thesis remains intact.

Is Canada Headed For A Recession?

Canada avoided a technical recession in 2025 despite absorbing significant tariff pressure from the U.S. trade war. GDP grew at less than 1% for much of the year, well below trend, but the economy held together. The market was supported by government spending, a “Buy Canadian” consumer shift, and energy sector resilience in Alberta and Saskatchewan.

Entering 2026, two major shocks have complicated the picture considerably. U.S. tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminum, autos, and lumber continue to weigh on export-oriented sectors, with the CUSMA review scheduled for mid-2026 adding a further layer of policy uncertainty. 

And the U.S.-Israel war on Iran, which began in late February 2026, has delivered the largest oil supply shock in decades. Brent crude surged above $100 per barrel as the Strait of Hormuz — through which roughly 20% of the world’s oil passes — was effectively closed to shipping. 

Cornell historian Nicholas Mulder described it as “the largest oil supply shock ever,” with three to four times as many barrels of oil removed from markets as during the 1973 and 1979 oil crises.

For Canada, the war is a double-edged sword. 

Higher oil prices benefit Alberta and Saskatchewan producers, whose energy sectors are largely insulated from U.S. tariff pressure and stand to gain from elevated commodity prices. But for the rest of the economy, the war is inflationary. 

It’s pushing up fuel costs, squeezing household disposable income, and complicating the Bank of Canada’s ability to cut interest rates at a time when growth is already sluggish. The BoC has warned that when a supply shock has large or persistent impacts on inflation, some degree of policy restraint may be needed even in a weak economy. 

That difficult trade-off that is now squarely in play.

BMO projects Canadian GDP growth of slightly over 1% in 2026 — below average but not a recession. The Bank of Canada’s own modelling identifies a more severe scenario in which prolonged trade disruption and the energy shock combine to contract GDP by approximately 1.2% over four quarters. That scenario is not the base case, but it is no longer a tail risk.

Canada is not in a recession. But the margin for error is thin, and the next six months will be a key indicator of the near-term direction of the market.

Are Stocks Taxed In Canada?

In Canada, stocks are subject to capital gains tax upon being sold.

This means that any profits earned on investments in non-registered accounts will contribute to the total taxable income of an individual.

What Is The Capital Gains Tax Rate In Canada?

In Canada, 50% of capital gains are considered taxable.

All capital gains are taxed at the relevant tax bracket of the investor, based on their net income.

This means only half of the profits made by selling an investment are included  as part of your income on your taxes.

What is a Capital Gain?

In Canada, a capital gain (or loss) occurs when an investor realizes a gain on their investment by selling the asset.

This happens when an investor sells their asset for more than the total of its adjusted cost base and the expenses incurred in the process.

Simply put, a capital gain is the profit that is made from buying and selling an asset.

Stocks, bonds, ETFs, precious metals, real estate, and the sale of other types of property are subject to capital gains tax.

For Example:

If an investor purchases shares of a company for $500 and later sells those shares at a higher price for a grand total of $1,000, they will have earned $500 in profits.

This $500 is considered a capital gain, which is the difference between the sale price and the price

Realized vs Unrealized Capital Gains

A capital gain can either be unrealized or realized.

When investing, a gain is only realized when it is sold.

On the other hand, an unrealized capital gain is when an investment increases in value but hasn’t been sold yet.

Only realized capital gains are subject to tax.

How to Calculate Tax on a Capital Gain

In Canada, capital gains are taxed at a rate of 50 percent.

That means half of an investor’s realized gains are subject to tax.

This figure is then added as part of their taxable income for the year, at the applicable tax bracket.

For Example: 

If a Canadian investor earns $1,000 in capital gains in 2026, half (or $500) of that amount will be included as part of their taxable income for the year.

If this individual has a taxable income below $50,197, the $500 will be taxed at a rate of 15 percent, resulting in $75 in taxes.

Capital Gain Tax Formula

The capital gain formula is:

Capital gain = Selling price (net of fees) – the adjusted cost base.

The adjusted cost base is the cost of the investment plus any fees or costs incurred to purchase it.

How To Deal With Capital Losses

Unfortunately, not all investments are sold for a gain.

A capital loss is when an investment or asset is sold for less than its adjusted cost base.

For Canadians that invest in non-registered accounts, capital losses can help offset capital gains in the same year.

Any losses left over can be used to reduce the taxable capital gain in any of the three preceding years or in any future year.

This makes non-registered accounts popular among day traders and investors with a high tolerance for risk.

Canadians that invest in a TFSA or RRSP cannot claim capital losses, so it is best to buy penny stocks and other high-growth stocks in a non-registered account.

What Is The Best Way To Buy Canadian Stocks Right Now?

In a market this volatile, getting started quickly and cheaply matters more than ever. Canadians can buy stocks on the TSX using investing apps from several different financial institutions and online brokerages, but the best options charge $0 in commissions.

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As your portfolio grows and your strategy becomes more sophisticated, Questrade’s broader account types and advanced tools give you more room to operate, with a $50 trade rebate for new users who deposit $250 or more.

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