Millennials: Should You Bet on the Cannabis Market and Blockchain Technology Today?

In the aftermath of the mania that drove up the asset prices of stocks like Mogo Finance Technology Inc. (TSX:MOGO), investors need to re-evaluate cannabis and blockchain markets.

| More on:

What a difference three months can make. In the beginning of 2018, the red-hot Canadian cannabis market had just about peaked after erupting in the late summer of 2017. The Bitcoin and cryptocurrency craze had dissipated somewhat, as Bitcoin had fallen from all-time highs, but media attention for cryptocurrencies was greater than ever before. These factors drew in many retail investors.

Cannabis and cryptocurrencies have attracted a significant proportion of young investors, notably millennials. For this generation, many of whom had seemingly “missed the boat” on the post-recession stock market boom, the promise of two potentially game-changing and explosive industries was tantalizing. As we reflect on them now, are these markets still good long-term bets for millennials and long-term investors seeking growth?

In the beginning of April, Horizons Marijuana Life Sciences Index ETF (TSX:HMMJ), which aims to replicate the performance of the North American Marijuana Index, had dropped below $17 in comparison to its all-time high of $25.56 reached in mid-January. The ETF has plunged 30% over a three-month span as of close on April 12. Its top two holdings, Aurora Cannabis Inc. and Canopy Growth Corp., have seen valuations almost halved in this time span. With recreational cannabis legalization mere months away, cannabis stocks have been battered by volatility.

Analysts had warned about Bitcoin’s valuation over the course of its magnificent run in 2017, and as we look back, its trajectory had all the hallmarks of a classic bubble. In early 2018, many investors had resigned themselves to this fact, and blockchain technology, the decentralized network that enables Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, was stealing mainstream attention.

In February, Harvest Portfolios launched Blockchain Technologies ETF (TSX:HBLK), which seeks to invest in companies involved in the development and implementation of blockchain and distributed ledger technologies. The fund rose 3.35% on April 12, but it has plunged over 20% since its debut. In December and January, many companies dove into the blockchain craze with varying success.

Mogo Finance Technology Inc. (TSX:MOGO), which possesses the 11th-largest weighting in the Blockchain Technologies ETF, rose 7.48% on April 12. Shares have plunged over 40% in 2018. In 2017, Mogo saw 96% growth in subscription and fee-based revenue and remains one of the most promising FinTech companies listed on the TSX.

However, it also announced that it would launch MogoCrypto towards the end of the first quarter, which would allow members to buy and sell Bitcoin through their Mogo account. This has exposed Mogo stock to the fluctuations of Bitcoin’s price, which has fallen sharply in 2018. Its most recent rally has also been on the back of an almost $1,000 rise in Bitcoin price over the course of the past week.

Should millennials continue to invest in cannabis and blockchain technology?

Canada has become only the second country to fully legalize recreational cannabis. Statistics Canada released a study recently that valued the cannabis market in Canada at $5.7 billion, but Canopy CEO Bruce Linton believes that it could easily be worth $8-10 billion with potential to steadily grow going forward. The recent correction should work to depress valuations in cannabis stocks to a more reasonable level that will allow a solid entry, or re-entry point, for investors gearing up for the long term.

Interestingly, Canada could also emerge as a hot spot for cryptocurrency traders because of low energy costs in many provinces. The Canadian government has announced in 2018 that it is experimenting with Ethereum blockchain. In truth, it is difficult to gauge the overall potential of blockchain technology at such an early stage. Stocks linked to cryptocurrency prices will likely continue to experience volatility, as governments have targeted Bitcoin and others in recent months.

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 Ambrose O'Callaghan owns shares of Mogo Finance Technology Inc.

More on Investing

think thought consider
Tech Stocks

Is CGI Stock a Buy Even With No Dividend Yield?

CGI stock may not have a dividend to speak of. But does that necessarily mean you should ignore this top…

Read more »

A robotic hand interacting with a visual AI touchscreen display.
Tech Stocks

Why Now Is the Time to Invest in Canadian AI Stocks

Are you looking for one of the most solid Canadian AI stocks out there? This one is probably your best…

Read more »

The letters AI glowing on a circuit board processor.
Tech Stocks

Why AI Stocks Should Be in Every Canadian Investor’s Portfolio

AI stocks continue to be one of the best options out there for long-term investing, especially when considering Canadian options.

Read more »

stock research, analyze data
Bank Stocks

Canadian Bank Stocks: Buy, Sell, or Hold?

There are opportunities and risks on the horizon for the Canadian banks.

Read more »

Young Boy with Jet Pack Dreams of Flying
Stock Market

Is Air Canada Stock a Good Buy After Its Q3 Results

Down almost 60% from all-time highs, Air Canada is an undervalued TSX stock that remains an enticing investment in November…

Read more »

cloud computing
Investing

Where to Invest $10,000 in November

Given their solid underlying businesses and healthy growth prospects, I expect these two defensive stocks to outperform uncertain outlook.

Read more »

coins jump into piggy bank
Retirement

Here’s the Average RRSP Balance at Age 44 for Canadians

Holding stocks like Alimentation Couche-Tard (TSX:ATD) in an RRSP is a good way to build your wealth.

Read more »

dividends can compound over time
Dividend Stocks

Want a 7% Yield? The 3 TSX Stocks to Buy Today

These TSX stocks are offering high yields of over 7%, making them attractive for investors seeking steady passive income.

Read more »