The Real Reason the TSX Is Hurting Your Retirement

The iShares S&P/TSX Capped Composite Index Fund (TSX:XIC), the biggest ETF to track the TSX composite, continues to lose ground in 2018 to the Dow Jones Industrial Average. Here’s why that’s unlikely to change.

The Motley Fool

For the record, I write about both Canadian and U.S. stocks almost in equal proportions. As a Canadian, you would think that I favour stocks trading on the TSX, but that is the furthest thing from the truth.

In my opinion, the TSX is hurting your retirement. Here’s why.

When Lululemon Athletica Inc. dropped its TSX listing to trade solely on NASDAQ, I welcomed the news.

Who wants to be included in a merchandising category that totals just a handful of stocks — that’s after the recent IPOs of Aritzia Inc, Canada Goose Holdings Inc. and Roots Corp. bulked up apparel retail on the TSX — that generate woefully low trading volumes?

It just didn’t make sense for the company to keep its listing, and I would guess you’ll see more companies drop the dual listing in the next couple of years as lower tax rates make it far better to move operations, where possible, south of the border.

Those issues aside, the TSX composite continues to underperform its U.S. peers so far in 2018, which would likely act as a headwind to Lululemon stock were it still listed in Canada.

Canadian investors left behind

Recently, the Globe and Mail’s Tim Shufelt explained why Canadian investors are being left out of out of one of history’s great bull market runs.

“Coming off what was a banner year for American stocks, share prices have since gathered even more speed, taking indexes deeper into record territory and stoking fears of a valuation bubble,” Shufelt wrote January 16. “Canadian stocks can’t seem to catch that same fire, as the early results in 2018 closely resemble the year just past, with domestic performance badly lagging state-side counterparts.”

The iShares S&P/TSX Capped Composite Index Fund (TSX:XIC) gained 9% in 2017 compared to 27% for the BMO Dow Jones Industrial Average Hedged to CAD Index ETF (TSX:ZDJ). Year to date, ZDJ is up more than 4% versus less than 1% for the XIC.

It gets even worse if we go all the way back to ZDJ’s inception in May 2009. A $10,000 investment in the ZDJ on May 29, 2009, is worth approximately $34,000 today, more than double the $16,000 you’d have for the XIC.

Now, before you pull out your 100-year chart illustrating all the 10-year rolling periods where the TSX outperformed the Dow, let me just say that my disdain for the TSX has little to do with performance and everything to do with lack of diversity in the kinds of companies listed on the TSX.

Consider this.

My picks for the five best stocks on the TSX are Brookfield Asset Management Inc. (TSX:BAM.A)(NYSE:BAM), New Flyer Industries Inc. (TSX:NFI), Premium Brands Holdings Corp. (TSX:PBH), Tricon Capital Group Inc. (TSX:TCN), and Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. (TSX:ATD.B).

Brookfield is part of the services sector. There is a total of 76 securities in this sector trading on the TSX, including common shares, preferred shares, and unit shares. On the NYSE, there are 244 common stocks from the services sector available, all with a market cap of $1.3 billion or higher.

That’s three times as many options, and that’s just one example. If you believe that, the markets in the U.S. are rigged so the institutions win — what’s that say about the regular investor’s chances here in Canada?

Bottom line on TSX

I don’t think there’s any doubt far more Canadians would be investing in U.S. stocks if it weren’t for the currency issue.

Yes, you can buy hedged ETFs and by all means, do, but if you consider yourself a bit of a stock whisperer, the TSX puts you at a severe disadvantage to your average retail investor just across the U.S. border in places like Buffalo and Detroit.

And don’t even get me started on Canada’s IPO market, which heated up in 2017, but still leaves a lot to be desired compared to the U.S., which has also experienced a slowdown in IPO activity in recent years.

Perhaps saying the TSX is for losers is harsh, but if you place your faith in this exchange only, your retirement is going to look a lot gloomier.

This article represents the opinion of the writer, who may disagree with the “official” recommendation position of a Motley Fool premium service or advisor. We’re Motley! Questioning an investing thesis — even one of our own — helps us all think critically about investing and make decisions that help us become smarter, happier, and richer, so we sometimes publish articles that may not be in line with recommendations, rankings or other content.

Fool contributor Will Ashworth has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of BROOKFIELD ASSET MANAGEMENT INC. CL.A LV. Alimentation Couche-Tard is a recommendation of Stock Advisor Canada.

More on Investing

Asset Management
Investing

2 Soaring Stocks to Hold for the Next 20 Years

These two stocks are poised to continue outperforming the broader equity markets.

Read more »

Hand Protecting Senior Couple
Retirement

These 2 Dividend ETFs Are a Retiree’s Best Friend

These two dividend ETFs could provide retirees with a diversified and stable income stream, while providing some price appreciation.

Read more »

TFSA (Tax-Free Savings Account) on wooden blocks and Canadian one hundred dollar bills.
Tech Stocks

Shopify: A Must-Have Growth Stock for Your TFSA Now (and the Next 10 Years)

Shopify (TSX:SHOP) stock isn't just a top growth company, it's a titan worth owning in your decades-long TFSA fund.

Read more »

Investing

Have $1,000? Here Are the Best Stocks to Buy Right Now

These TSX stocks have solid growth potential and will likely deliver above-average returns in the long term.

Read more »

cloud computing
Tech Stocks

Best Stock to Buy Right Now: Manulife vs CIBC

Want the best stocks? These two are certainly the best options. But which is the better buy?

Read more »

ETF stands for Exchange Traded Fund
Dividend Stocks

How to Earn $2,000 in Passive Income in 2025 With Less Than $51,000 in Savings

You can invest in Canadian high yield stocks via the Vanguard FTSE Canadian High Yield Dividend ETF (TSX:VDY).

Read more »

Asset Management
Investing

Where Will Restaurant Brands International Stock Be in 1/3/5 Years?

Let's dive into where Restaurant Brands (TSX:QSR) could be headed over the near to medium term, shall we?

Read more »

profit rises over time
Tech Stocks

4 Reasons to Buy Constellation Software Stock Like There’s No Tomorrow

Constellation Software stock continued its climb upwards after recent earnings, and this only adds to its appeal.

Read more »