Market Rally: Can You Bank on This Stock?

With the recent market rally, stocks are starting to trade higher. Is now the time to dive into this blue-chip dividend stock?

| More on:

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s premium investing services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

With the recent market rally, stocks are starting to trade slightly higher. So, some investors have started to dip their toes back into the waters.

Now, with so much uncertainty in the global economy, we could, of course, see the markets dip low again. Some investors aren’t yet convinced it’s time to get back in.

At the end of the day, no one can perfectly predict a peak or trough. Instead, you can trade in this market rally (or a market crash, for that matter) using a long-term approach.

That is, you can scout out blue-chip dividend stocks that are trading at attractive valuations. By investing in these stocks, you can lock in a solid dividend for the long run.

Today, we’ll take a look at one such stock that’s well positioned to deliver results in the long term.

RBC

Royal Bank of Canada (TSX:RY)(NYSE:RY) is one of the major Canadian banks and, in fact, the largest one by market cap.

It offers a diverse range of services to both individual and commercial customers across North America. It meets the banking needs of its customers through its premier online and mobile banking as well as in-branch support.

Recently, the bank has pledged money and efforts towards green initiatives, including a green bond in an attempt to do their part to help the climate.

On February 21, this stock was trading at $109.21. At its lowest point in the market crash, it reached $72.25 on March 23.

With the recent market rally, the stock is now trading at $82.91. At that price, the yield now stands at 5.21% as well.

For the past five years, RBC’s average yield has been 3.82%. So, the yield on offer is currently much larger in comparison.

Plus, the current P/E ratio of 9.2 is far below the trailing annual figures that generally bounce between 11 and 12.

So, it appears RBC is currently offering a great value proposition to investors. You can pay less for earnings than usual, while also earning far more from the dividend than usual.

However, it’s fair to say there are headwinds on the horizon for the Canadian banks, including RBC.

Interest rates are currently very low, meaning there’s pressure on margins. Plus, mortgage deferrals could put a kink in the usual cash flow for RBC.

However, RBC has access to liquidity support from the government and has proved time and time again through crashes and recessions that it can maintain its dividend.

Over a long enough investment horizon, RBC is a solid pick to generate outsized total returns with limited risk.

Market rally strategy

This recent market rally shouldn’t drastically alter one’s investment strategy. The focus should still remain on long-term value and total returns.

As such, RBC is a great choice for investors looking to lock in a solid dividend yield that they can bank on during tough times.

With a low P/E ratio, RBC also has great upside in its share price for investors. You can get the best of both worlds by picking up RBC to hold for the long term.

Through market crash or market rally, always try to stay the course, and always try to stay Foolish. If you’re searching for a blue-chip stock at a solid valuation, give RBC a look.

Should you invest $1,000 in Royal Bank of Canada right now?

Before you buy stock in Royal Bank of Canada, consider this:

The Motley Fool Stock Advisor Canada analyst team just identified what they believe are the Top Stocks for 2025 and Beyond for investors to buy now… and Royal Bank of Canada wasn’t one of them. The Top Stocks that made the cut could potentially produce monster returns in the coming years.

Consider MercadoLibre, which we first recommended on January 8, 2014 ... if you invested $1,000 in the “eBay of Latin America” at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $21,345.77!*

Stock Advisor Canada provides investors with an easy-to-follow blueprint for success, including guidance on building a portfolio, regular updates from analysts, and two new stock picks each month – one from Canada and one from the U.S. The Stock Advisor Canada service has outperformed the return of S&P/TSX Composite Index by 24 percentage points since 2013*.

See the Top Stocks * Returns as of 4/21/25

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 Jared Seguin has no position in any of the stocks mentioned.

Confidently Navigate Market Volatility: Claim Your Free Report!

Feeling uneasy about the ups and downs of the stock market lately? You’re not alone. At The Motley Fool Canada, we get it — and we’re here to help. We’ve crafted an essential guide designed to help you through these uncertain times: "5-Step Checklist: How to Prepare Your Portfolio for Volatility."

Don't miss out on this opportunity for peace of mind. Just click below to learn how to receive your complimentary report today!

Get Our Free Report Today

More on Investing

Man data analyze
Dividend Stocks

Where Will Canadian Tire Stock Be in 3 Years?

Down almost 30% from all-time highs, Canadian Tire stock is unlikely to deliver market-beating returns to shareholders in the next…

Read more »

four people hold happy emoji masks
Dividend Stocks

1 Great TSX Dividend Stock Down 10% to Buy and Own for Decades

Bank of Nova Scotia is down 10% in 2025. Is the stock now oversold?

Read more »

Person holds banknotes of Canadian dollars
Investing

Where I’d Invest $2,000 in The TSX Today

The TSX is ripe with long-term opportunities. Here are two stocks to add to your watch list today.

Read more »

social media scrolling on phone networking
Investing

Where Will Telus Stock Be in 6 Years?

Telus (TSX:T) is a fantastic dividend beast that's looking way too cheap to pass up in May 2025.

Read more »

tsx today
Stock Market

TSX Today: What to Watch for in Stocks on Monday, May 5

After soaring nearly 8% over the last four weeks, the TSX Composite Index is currently at its highest level in…

Read more »

Investing

May the 4th be with you – Motley Fool Edition

Celebrate May the 4th with timeless investing lessons from the Star Wars universe—The Motley Fool way. Patience, compounding, and clarity…

Read more »

Hourglass and stock price chart
Investing

Where I’d Allocate $10,000 in Canadian Value Stocks for Future Growth

Here's where I'd allocate $10,000 in Canadian value stocks for future growth.

Read more »

Canadian dollars are printed
Dividend Stocks

Beat the TSX With These Cash-Gushing Dividend Stocks

Learn how recent macro events have affected stocks on the TSX, and find out which stocks are thriving despite challenges.

Read more »