Where to Invest $10,000 in November 2023

Canadian investors should hold a diversified portfolio of bonds, ETFs, stocks, and gold to lower overall risk and create long-term wealth.

The primary reason for investing your savings is to generate inflation-beating returns over time. It’s essential to identify various asset classes and diversify your portfolio, which lowers overall risk. So, let’s see where you should invest $10,000 in November 2023.

Should you invest in GICs?

Guaranteed income certificates are low-risk fixed-income instruments, making them ideal for those nearing retirement. The recent hikes in interest rates have increased the yields on guaranteed income certificates considerably in 2023. Several banks offer GICs with an annual yield of more than 5%, providing you with a stable stream of recurring income.

Even younger investors should hold around 20% of total investments in lower-risk asset classes such as GICs to reduce overall volatility.

Invest in quality dividend growth stocks

Investing in quality dividend stocks is a proven strategy to generate market-beating returns. You need to identify companies that are positioned to grow earnings and cash flows across business cycles, which in turn should result in consistent dividend increases.

For instance, TSX companies such as Goeasy and Canadian Natural Resources have increased dividends by more than 15% annually in the past two decades. In this period, GSY stock has returned 3,130%, while CNQ is up 2,000% after adjusting for dividends.

You need to create a diversified portfolio of dividend stocks and identify companies across sectors such as banking, energy, and healthcare to benefit from a predictable stream of income. Quality dividend stocks can account for 20% of your portfolio.

Invest in diversified exchange-traded funds

Around 95% of large-cap funds fail to beat the benchmarks. So, it makes sense to buy and hold exchange-traded funds such as the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (TSX:VSP), which has returned 150% in the last 10 years after adjusting for dividends.

The VSP ETF tracks the S&P 500 index, providing investors with exposure to some of the largest companies in the world, including Apple, Tesla, Exxon Mobil, and Microsoft. Generally, ETFs and mutual funds should account for a majority of your investment portfolio. So, if you have $10,000 to invest right now, buy diversified ETFs worth $5,000.

Invest in gold stocks

The threat of an upcoming recession and geopolitical tensions may act as tailwinds for gold prices in the next 18 months. Historically, gold has been viewed as a store of value and hedge against inflation and is among the most popular commodities globally.

If you expect prices of the precious metal to move higher, you can either gain exposure to gold by holding exchange-traded funds or buying shares of gold mining companies such as Newmont (TSX:NGT).

Valued at $43 billion by market cap, Newmont is engaged in the production and exploration of gold, copper, silver, lead, and zinc. It has operations and assets in the Americas, Australia, and Ghana. The company ended 2022 with portable gold reserves of 96.1 million ounces and a land position of 61,500 square kilometres.

Down 47% from all-time highs, Newmont stock currently offers investors an annual dividend of $2.21 per share, translating to a forward yield of 4.1%. Priced at 14.4 times forward earnings, Newmont stock trades at a discount of almost 100% to consensus price target estimates.

A combination of gold ETFs and gold mining stocks can account for 10% of your investment portfolio.

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 Aditya Raghunath has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Apple, Canadian Natural Resources, Microsoft, and Tesla. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

More on Dividend Stocks

Paper Canadian currency of various denominations
Dividend Stocks

Should You Buy the 3 Highest-Paying Dividend Stocks in Canada?

A few dividend stocks saw a sharp correction in November, increasing their yields. Are they a buy for high dividends?

Read more »

money while you sleep
Dividend Stocks

Buy These 2 High-Yield Dividend Stocks Today and Sleep Soundly for a Decade

These stocks pay attractive dividends that should continue to grow.

Read more »

Pile of Canadian dollar bills in various denominations
Dividend Stocks

$15,000 Windfall? This Dividend Stock Is the Perfect Buy for Monthly Passive Income

If you get a windfall, after debt investing should be your next top option to create even more passive income!

Read more »

senior relaxes in hammock with e-book
Dividend Stocks

3 Canadian Dividend Stocks for Worry-Free Income

These Canadian stocks have consistently paid dividends, generating a worry-free passive income for investors.

Read more »

people relax on mountain ledge
Dividend Stocks

Invest $10,000 in This Dividend Stock for a Potential $4,781.70 in Total Returns

A dividend stock doesn't have to be risky, or without growth. And in the case of this one, the growth…

Read more »

ETF chart stocks
Dividend Stocks

2 Top TSX ETFs to Buy and Hold in a TFSA Forever

Don't get crazy. Just think simple growth with these two ETFs that are perfect in any TFSA.

Read more »

ETF stands for Exchange Traded Fund
Dividend Stocks

How to Use Your TFSA to Earn $900 Per Month in Tax-Free Income

This covered call ETF plus a TFSA could be your ticket to high tax-free passive income.

Read more »

TFSA (Tax free savings account) acronym on wooden cubes on the background of stacks of coins
Dividend Stocks

How to Turn a $15,000 TFSA Into $171,000

$15,000 may not seem like a lot, but over time that amount can balloon into serious cash.

Read more »