2 Great Canadian Stocks to Buy Now and Hold Forever

Diversified energy dividend stocks like Algonquin Power and Utilities Corp. (TSX:AQN)(NYSE:AQN) are on sale right now.

The CNN Fear and Greed Index is firmly in the red this week, indicating that investor sentiment is riddled with extreme fear. Before we look at seven of the key characteristics of the correction rattling the stock markets, plus two great stocks to buy and hold, let’s briefly review five guidelines for investing during a downturn.

A five-step “black swan” playbook

First of all, investors should know what they’re holding in their stock portfolios. As Warren Buffett would put it, shareholders need to understand the businesses they’re invested in. Second, a TSX stockholder should see long-term value in their holdings.

Third, investors should review their wish list for oversold stocks and get buying. A fourth tenet of recession investing holds that would-be shareholders keep some liquidity on hand in order to double down on deepening discounts as the market worsens. Finally, investors should hold onto their stocks and have faith that the markets will return to normal in the long term.

Seven indicators of fear

Stock price strength is low, indicating fear. This is indicated by the ratio of 52-week highs to lows, moderately skewed toward underperformance. The spread of junk bond demand of 1.87% in extra yield above safer corporate bonds is also higher, further indicating fear. As well, 24-month put and call options are currently strongly skewed toward the former.

Market momentum is down at a two-year low, with the S&P 500 1.62% below the 125-day average – a reliable indicator of extreme fear with implications for Canadian stocks. For the data-focused investor, the McClellan Volume Summation Index showed 23.65% more of daily NYSE volume declining than advancing. The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) is also flashing at 30.84.

Safe haven demand is high, with bonds outperforming stocks by 7.57% in the last 20 days of trading, the weakest such stock performance in two years. Perhaps the most recognizable indicator to the casual investor, the relative performance of bonds to stocks currently signifies extreme fear in the markets.

Two TSX stocks to buy and hold

There’s a case for buying quality stocks at knock-down prices right now. Down 10% Friday, defensive Algonquin Power & Utilities is a top TSX stock to buy on weakness. Its diversified power production operations feed a tasty 3.5% dividend yield. It’s a key stock for renewables investment, with exposure to hydroelectric, wind, solar, and thermal power.

Another great stock currently on sale is popular tech ticker, Shopify. Down 11% at the end of a terrible week, the contrarian thesis is strong here: Up 144% in the past 12-month period, the e-commerce giant is a true Canadian success story strongly biased toward the upside.

For steep capital appreciation and access to the growth trend in online shopping, this low-risk retail stock has strong positive momentum.

The bottom line

Algonquin Power & Utilities and Shopify are recession-proof stocks for one reason: Even if the coronavirus becomes a pandemic, its effect on energy and online sales will be less severe than on other aspects of the economy.

While energy production is essential, e-commerce is likely to outlive its brick-and-mortar analogues. As such, both TSX stocks are strong buys.

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 Victoria Hetherington has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. Tom Gardner owns shares of Shopify. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Shopify.

More on Dividend Stocks

calculate and analyze stock
Dividend Stocks

This 5.5% Dividend Stock Pays Cash Every Single Month!

This REIT may offer monthly dividends, but don't forget about the potential returns in the growth industry its involved with.

Read more »

Silver coins fall into a piggy bank.
Dividend Stocks

How to Use Your TFSA to Earn up to $6,000 Per Year in Tax-Free Passive Income

A high return doesn't mean you have to make a high investment -- or a risky one -- especially with…

Read more »

path road success business
Dividend Stocks

2 High-Yield Dividend Stocks to Buy Hand Over Fist and 1 to Avoid

High yields are great and all, but only if returns come with them. And while two of these might, another…

Read more »

Man holds Canadian dollars in differing amounts
Dividend Stocks

This 7% Dividend Stock Pays Cash Every Month

A high dividend yield isn't everything. But when it pays out each month and offers this stability, it's worth considering!

Read more »

young people stare at smartphones
Dividend Stocks

GST/HST “Vacation”: Everything Canadians Need to Know

The GST/HST "vacation" is a little treat for the holidays, along with a $250 payment. What should you do with…

Read more »

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 »

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 »

Middle aged man drinks coffee
Dividend Stocks

Here’s the Average TFSA Balance at Age 35 in Canada

At age 35, it might not seem like you need to be thinking about your future cash flow. But ideally,…

Read more »