Opt for these dependable utilities over bonds

The Bank of Canada has now increased its benchmark interest rate by another 25 basis points—to 5.0%—in response to still-high inflation.
Generally, higher interest rates diminish the appeal of dividend-paying utility stocks, as investors shift to better-yielding bonds. Rising interest rates also increase utilities’ borrowing costs—and… Read More

Look to these utilities for dependable income

Rising interest rates increase the appeal of bonds, which is generally bad news for utilities which must compete with bonds for the attention of income-seeking investors. At the same time, higher interest rates increase borrowing costs for utilities. That further erodes investors’ interest.
However, these three… Read More

Our updates for safety-conscious investors

LOBLAW COMPANIES, $118.69, is a buy. The retailer (Toronto symbol L; Shares outstanding: 321.0 million; Market cap: $38.4 billion; TSINetwork Rating: Above Average; Dividend yield: 1.5%; www.loblaw.ca), operates 1,099 supermarkets under several banners, including Loblaws, Zehrs, Provigo, Real Canadian Superstore and No Frills. Its Shoppers Drug Mart chain has… Read More

Updating your Income-Growth Payer: Fortis

FORTIS INC. $55 is a buy. The company (Toronto symbol FTS; Income-Growth Portfolio, Utilities sector; Shares outstanding: 482.2 million; Market cap: $26.5 billion; Dividend yield 4.1%; Dividend Sustainability Rating: Highest; www.fortisinc.com) is the main supplier of electrical power in Newfoundland and PEI. It also owns electrical and gas utilities… Read More

Q: Pat, what do you think of me holding the BMO Low Volatility Canadian Equity ETF to lower the overall volatility of my portfolio? Thanks for all your advice.

A: The BMO Low Volatility Canadian Equity ETF, $41.20, symbol ZLB on Toronto (Units outstanding: 71.1 million; Market cap: $2.9 billion; www.etfs.bmo.com), provides exposure to a low beta-weighted portfolio of Canadian stocks. The aim is to reduce your exposure to market volatility.

The ETF selects 40… Read More