Should you invest in Canada?

Three flags of Canada in front of a business building in Ottawa

(Image credit: Getty Images)

published 22 October 2024

Investors need reminding that North America extends beyond the US. Canada, often overlooked but certainly not a laggard, is projected to be the fastest-growing economy in the G7 in 2025 and stands as a beacon of stability on the global stage in an era of uncertainty. This strength is rooted in its historic banking system, which has not missed a single dividend for 200 years – a feat unmatched by its counterparts in the US or the UK.

Ultimately, the most critical factor in long-term investment performance is the price paid for assets. From this perspective, Canadian stocks present a compelling opportunity, with the country’s exchange trading at its deepest discount to the US market in history. The market’s performance has already begun to broaden: the Canadian S&P/TSX Composite Equal Weight Index has outpaced the S&P 500 Equal Weight Index in 2024, gaining 17.8% compared with 12.3%.

At Canadian General Investments (CGI), North America’s second-oldest investment trust, we adhere to a disciplined buy-and-hold strategy. Our focus is on high-quality Canadian companies with US exposure limited to 25% of the portfolio. CGI offers a cost-effective gateway to Canadian stocks, which remain underappreciated despite Canada’s financial stability, vast natural resources and strong ties to the world’s largest economy.

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Industrials have benefited from increased infrastructure spending in the US, driven by trends such as nearshoring, electrification and decarbonisation. One standout in our portfolio is Stantec (Toronto: STN), a global leader in sustainable design and engineering. Stantec’s focus on operational efficiency and project execution has led to industry-leading margins, with strong growth prospects fuelled by public and private investments, particularly from US initiatives such as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

While Canada’s economy is often associated with “old world” sectors like energy and banking, the country also boasts a rich technological legacy. From BlackBerry to Shopify, Canadian innovators have reshaped their respective markets. One standout example is Descartes Systems Group (Toronto: DSG), a global leader in software-as-a-service (SaaS) solutions designed to enhance the efficiency, security and sustainability of logistics-heavy businesses.

Descartes serves more than 26,000 customers worldwide, including major corporations such as Coca-Cola, Home Depot and Mondelez International, helping them streamline supply chains. With a history of 28 successful acquisitions since 2016, totalling US$1.1 billion, Descartes is well-positioned for continued growth. Its financial strength allows it to seek out undervalued assets patiently, ensuring strategic expansion while maintaining profitability.