The TSX Index Is Down 5% in 2018: 2 Reasons New Investors Should Roll With Blue-Chip Stocks Over ETFs or Index Funds

North American indexes are taking a beating, which should inspire passive investors to consider stocks like Royal Bank of Canada (TSX:RY)(NYSE:RY) instead.

| More on:

The S&P/TSX Composite Index dropped another 200 points on October 11. This pushed the index down 5.5% for 2018. It also put the index into negative territory year over year.

Back in March, I’d discussed some of the perils of passive investing for modern investors. Legendary investor Carl Icahn called passive investing a “dangerous bubble” earlier this year, as ETFs and index funds had exploded on the back of ballooning asset valuations since the financial crisis. Bloomberg Intelligence reported that ETFs recorded over $690 billion in inflows in 2017 compared to $45 billion in outflows for actively managed funds.

These type of investment vehicles are often pitched to new investors as a slick alternative to managing your own portfolio or putting their money into an actively managed fund. Today, I want to go over two reasons investors should choose blue chips, like Canadian bank stocks, over a TSX-focused ETF or index fund going forward.

Bank stocks are the best a strong Canadian financial sector has to offer

One of the main attractions for passive-investment vehicles, in addition to the “set it and forget it!” appeal, is the diversification offered by tracking an entire index. This is another downside for the TSX, which is heavily weighted in an energy sector that has struggled since the 2014-2015 oil price shocks. Financials are also heavily weighted on the TSX, and this is where many investors just starting out have chosen to focus their attention.

Royal Bank of Canada (TSX:RY)(NYSE:RY) stock fell 1.99% on October 11. This pushed shares into negative territory over the past year. Royal Bank has performed well over the past five years, as shares have climbed over 40% in this span. The bank is well diversified and is the largest financial institution in Canada by total assets.

Better returns and dividend payouts

A Canadian investor who’d bought into a TSX-focused ETF at this time in 2017 will be looking at negative returns today. They will have paid a small fee to boot. Investors who have the time and the patience to manage their own portfolios should question the long-term strategy of passive investment in an ETF or an index fund. For example, Vanguard FTSE Canada All CAP ETF (TSX:VCN) has returned 6.6% over a five-year period as of close on October 11.

Bank of Nova Scotia (TSX:BNS)(NYSE:BNS), the worst-performing bank stock over that same period, has posted returns of 23%. Scotiabank also offers a quarterly dividend of $0.82 per share, representing a 4.4% dividend yield. The combination of capital growth and solid, consistent income makes bank stocks more reliable and ultimately more stable alternatives to ETFs or index funds.

Investors may choose to re-evaluate their portfolios after the recent global rout. Passive investing can still be a justifiable strategy for some, but for those focused on Canadian assets, domestic bank stocks have been a far better option in the post-crisis years.

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 has no position in any of the stocks mentioned.

More on Investing

Train cars pass over trestle bridge in the mountains
Dividend Stocks

Is CNR Stock a Buy, Sell, or Hold for 2025?

Can CNR stock continue its long-term outperformance into 2025 and beyond? Let's explore whether now is a good time to…

Read more »

engineer at wind farm
Energy Stocks

Invest $20,000 in This Dividend Stock for $100 in Monthly Passive Income

This dividend stock has it all – a strong outlook, monthly income, and even more to consider buying today.

Read more »

Hourglass and stock price chart
Stock Market

It’s Not Too Late: Invest in These TSX Growth Stocks Now

Solid fundamentals of these top TSX growth stocks could help them maintain strong upward momentum in the years to come.

Read more »

coins jump into piggy bank
Dividend Stocks

The Smartest Dividend Stocks to Buy With $500 Right Now

These top dividend stocks both offer attractive yields and trade off their highs, making them two of the best to…

Read more »

stocks climbing green bull market
Stocks for Beginners

3 TSX Stocks Soaring Higher With No Signs of Slowing

Don't ignore stocks just because they look like they're at a high price. Instead, see exactly why they've driven so…

Read more »

dividends can compound over time
Bank Stocks

Is TD Bank Stock a Buy for Its 5.2% Dividend Yield?

TD Bank stock offers a rare 5.2% dividend yield—can it rebound from challenges and reward contrarian investors? Here's what to…

Read more »

chart reflected in eyeglass lenses
Investing

How Should a Beginner Invest in Stocks? Start With This Index Fund

This Vanguard index fund is the perfect way to start a Canadian investment portfolio.

Read more »

analyze data
Bank Stocks

Is BMO Stock a Buy for its 4.7% Dividend Yield?

Bank of Montreal is up 20% since late August. Are more gains on the way?

Read more »