TSX Plunges 688 Points — But the 20% Losses Are Even More Startling

The Bank of Nova Scotia stock is among the chosen few investments that can overcome market downturns. It’s also the first big bank calling on the government to roll out a financial stimulus package to prevent the country from falling into a recession.

| More on:

The S&P/TSX Composite Index closed at 14,270.10 on March 11, 2020, or nearly 4.6% worse than the previous trading day. But since the sell-off began in late February, total losses have reached 20%. Because of this high percentage drop, the stock market has technically entered the bear market.

Alarm bells

With more global economies feeling the pinch of the coronavirus outbreak, one of the Big Five banks in Canada is sounding the alarm bells. Bank of Nova Scotia (TSX:BNS)(NYSE:BNS) or Scotiabank is warning of a reasonably mild recession.

A chief economist at the bank said the Canadian government needs to deploy targeted fiscal measures in the immediate future to defeat the impact of the virus. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau already intimated the possibility of using the same measure employed by the government during the 2008-09 financial crisis.

Slower GDP growth

The bearish sentiment from Scotiabank is the first from the banking sector, although more banks are due to release their forecasts. Aside from the TSX falling by as much as %, the oil price collapse would have more severe implications.

Scotiabank is predicting that an absence of a significant stimulus will result in a gross domestic product contraction (GDP) in Q2 and Q3. Thus, Canada’s GDP growth could fall to 0.3% in 2020. The third-largest lender in the country, however, is confident the Trudeau government will use every means to avert a recession.

No stranger to recession

Investors are presently looking for the best places to invest. Scotiabank has seen the best of times and endured the worst. The 188 years dividend track record of this $70.92 billion bank also speaks volumes.

During the 2008 recession, Scotiabank put a halt on dividend growth but did not implement a cut. Over the last nine consecutive years, the bank increased its dividends. The current yield is a high 6.25%, and Scotiabank is likely to keep the payout ratio at less than 50%.

Aside from Canada and the U.S., Scotiabank has a market presence in over 50 countries worldwide. The number of offices and branches, domestic and across the border, stands at more than 3,100. Last year, nearly 50% of net income came from Canadian banking, with the U.S. and international markets contributing the rest.

The latest news about Scotiabank is the plan to broaden its innovation ecosystem. In sealing partnerships with C100 and MaRS, the bank would enable the growth and expansion of emerging technologies through funding support.

Funding stimulus

In all likelihood, the government will use federal financing agencies to stimulate the economy. According to the Scotiabank economist, the measure might not prevent a recession. The total stimulus package should be around $20 billion or at least 1% of GDP.

It’s also predicted that the Bank of Canada will implement a 0.25% interest rate cut by June this year. In 2009, the central bank made an emergency policy decision.

Meanwhile, the markets will remain in a state of utter confusion. The prudent move for investors is to let the carnage pass and wait for things to settle down.

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 Christopher Liew has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA.

More on Dividend Stocks

Man data analyze
Dividend Stocks

Passive Income: How Much Do You Need to Invest to Make $400 Per Month?

Here's some passive-income math to get your journey to financial freedom started.

Read more »

Asset Management
Dividend Stocks

A 10% Dividend Yield Today! But Here’s Why I’m Buying This TSX Stock for the Long Term 

A 10% dividend yield stock has risks in the short term but growth in the long term. This stock is…

Read more »

Transparent umbrella under heavy rain against water drops splash background. Rainy weather concept.
Dividend Stocks

The Safest Dividend Stocks That Could Pay Big Bucks Forever

These two safe Canadian Dividend Aristocrats could help you earn safe income for decades to come.

Read more »

ETF stands for Exchange Traded Fund
Dividend Stocks

2 High-Yield Dividend ETFs to Buy to Generate Passive Income

High-yield dividend ETFs can be major winners in any portfolio, offering diversification, returns, and security. But which are the best?

Read more »

jar with coins and plant
Dividend Stocks

Want $97 in Super-Safe Monthly Dividend Income? Invest $15,000 in These 3 Ultra-High-Yield Stocks 

Do you have a lump sum amount and are worried you will spend it all? Consider investing in dividend stocks…

Read more »

woman looks out at horizon
Dividend Stocks

Top Picks: 3 Canadian Dividend Stocks for Stress-Free Passive Income

Do you want passive income? These three offer not just strong passive income now, but a large future opportunity for…

Read more »

hand stacking money coins
Dividend Stocks

Invest $500 Per Month to Create $335 in Passive Income in 2025

By investing $500 per month into a high yield stock like First National Financial (TSX:FN), you could get $337 in…

Read more »

The sun sets behind a power source
Dividend Stocks

Fortis Stock: Buy, Sell, or Hold?

Fortis has delivered attractive long-term total returns for investors.

Read more »