The 2 Perfect Bank Stocks to Buy in December

Financial stocks like the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (TSX:CM)(NYSE:CM) are great assets to buy before the end of the year.

| 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

Investors have a great deal on their plate. For example, how will COVID-19 continue to influence the stock market? Still, there are great stocks to buy right now on the Toronto Stock Exchange.

Canadian banks are strong and secure. These are great options for your retirement portfolio. Moreover, they’ve bounced back some from the March crash, but not completely.

Here are two great bank stocks to buy for your TFSA or RRSP before the year ends.

A strong dividend stock

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (TSX:CM)(NYSE:CM) fell to $67.52 during the March market sell-off from a 52-week high of $115.72. As of Monday, investors are trading the stock for $111.14 per share. The annual dividend yield of 5.25% is fantastic.

Victor G. Dodig, CIBC President & Chief Executive Officer, commented on the bank’s solid performance during the third quarter on August 27:

“We delivered solid financial results in the third quarter as our team maintained a tireless focus on our clients, helping make their ambitions a reality during a period of disruption for many. The continued execution of our strategy and ongoing investments in our business, as well as disciplined expense management, have contributed to our resilience and positioned us well for the evolving macroeconomic environment. Our entire team is engaged and committed to supporting our clients and communities.”

Banks have been concerned about increasing default rates during the pandemic as unemployment rose. Stimulus measures curbed those impacts for a while. The next few months will be crucial to understanding COVID-19’s overall impact on bank stocks.

Especially after more cash benefits expire, the economy might feel some more temporary pain. Nevertheless, Canadian banks are positioned well to succeed. If you don’t already own CIBC in your TFSA or RRSP, this is a good stock to buy before the year ends.

Committed to expense management

Bank of Montreal (TSX:BMO)(NYSE:BMO) fell to $55.76 during the March market sell-off from a 52-week high of $104.75. At the time of writing, investors are trading the stock for $96.77 per share. The annual dividend yield is less than CIBC but still a solid 4.38%.

On August 25, Darryl White, Chief Executive Officer of BMO Financial Group, had this to say about the bank’s strategy during the COVID-19 pandemic:

“For the third quarter, we delivered very good results in a fluid environment, demonstrating the continued strength and resiliency of our diversified business model. We produced adjusted earnings per share of $1.85, strong pre-provision pre-tax earnings of $2.6 billion, up 12% year-over-year, and provided prudently for loan losses and demonstrated capital strength. We entered the COVID-19 pandemic with momentum and in a position of strength and we have served our communities with consistent, safe and uninterrupted access to banking services and personalized financial advice . . . This quarter, we continued to deliver on our commitment to expense management, a critical and appropriate lever in the current environment.”

The Bank of Montreal is definitely one of the strongest banks in which to trust your finances. Revenue grew to $7.189 billion in the third quarter from $5.264 billion in the second quarter. If you don’t already own Bank of Montreal in your retirement portfolio, now is a good time to buy.

Should you invest $1,000 in Canopy Growth right now?

Before you buy stock in Canopy Growth, 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 Canopy Growth 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 Debra Ray 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 Dividend Stocks

close-up photo of investor Warren Buffett
Dividend Stocks

Billionaires Are Selling Berkshire Stock and Buying This TSX Stock Instead

Warren Buffett is stepping aside, leading to a drop in share price. So what's next for investors?

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

1 Magnificent Canadian Stock Down 30% to Buy and Hold Forever

Analysts are upgrading this Canadian stock that has spent way too long trending downwards.

Read more »

A plant grows from coins.
Dividend Stocks

How I’d Use $7,000 to Create a TFSA Income Stream For Life

Investors can create a reliable income stream by adding these three dividend stocks to your TFSA.

Read more »

ETF chart stocks
Dividend Stocks

Investing $7,000 in Your TFSA? Consider These 2 Canadian ETFs for Retirement

Turn $7,000 into tax-free wealth! 2 top ETFs for 4%+ dividends and retirement growth to max your TFSA this May!

Read more »

Muscles Drawn On Black board
Dividend Stocks

The Smartest Canadian Stock to Buy With $5,000 Right Now

This smartest Canadian stock can convert your $5,000 investment to about $30,595 in 10 years, more than six times your…

Read more »

happy woman throws cash
Dividend Stocks

How I’d Turn $14,000 in My TFSA into a Money-Making Machine

Investing over time in a diversified Canadian dividend ETF like the VDY is one way to make a money-making machine…

Read more »

stocks climbing green bull market
Dividend Stocks

The Smartest Canadian Stock to Buy With $3,000 Right Now

Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc (TSX:ATD) is a good TSX stock.

Read more »

Blocks conceptualizing Canada's Tax Free Savings Account
Dividend Stocks

How I’d Invest $50,000 of TFSA Cash as Canada-US Trade Uncertainty Expands

We're all uncertain about how this trade war will shake out, so here are some top stocks to keep your…

Read more »