Rising oil prices have lifted Canada’s energy sector in 2026, boasting a commanding 33.8% year-to-date gain. One stock in the oil and gas exploration and production (E&P) industry keeping pace with this surge is InPlay Oil (TSX: IPO). Alongside a market-beating 31.9% return, this small-cap stock pays a juicy 6.5% dividend.

The combination of capital appreciation, high yield, and monthly payout makes IPO a top option for Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) investors focused on consistent cash flow. However, with macro headwinds, particularly oil price shocks, driving the sector, is InPlay Oil merely a fair-weather holding? Let’s break down the pros and cons.

Business overview

InPlay Oil, a $464 million junior oil and gas E&P company, operates light crude oil assets in West Central Alberta, extracting high-value resources in the Cardium and Belly River formations. It performs horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing to extract oil and gas. The raw commodities are then sold to midstream companies to generate revenues.

Cons

The junior producer is inherently vulnerable to the ever-present volatility of the energy market. Besides its relatively small asset base, InPlay Oil is a price taker. Oil and gas prices are beyond its control. While earnings and cash flows have risen significantly in the post-pandemic period and into 2026 due to higher commodity prices, operating income is volatile from year to year. Ultimately, lower energy prices reduce revenues and squeeze profit margins.

A critical concern is dividend stability. InPlay introduced its Board-approved dividend policy only in November 2022. While the company has already paid 44 consecutive monthly dividend payments, its track record of less than 4 years is still quite short.

Pros

Management will argue that InPlay Oil’s outperformance in 2026 is not mainly due to macro tailwinds. Transformational acquisitions in 2025, operational efficiency, and an active drilling program enabled the company to weather the extreme and unprecedented volatility in oil and gas commodity prices.

In Q1 2026, oil and natural gas sales rose 127% to $88.4 million, up from Q1 2025. InPlay Oil, however, incurred a net loss of $34.6 million due to the non-cash $39 million unrealized future mark-to-market value loss on its commodity hedges. Notably, adjusted funds flow increased 79.6% year-over-year to $30.1 million. The accounting loss had no material impact on dividend payments.

On the operational side, the quarterly production average climbed 102% to 18,337 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boe/d) compared to a year ago. Management credits the low-decline nature of InPlay Oil’s base production for the robust volume.

Long-term sustainability

InPlay Oil’s true appeal lies in its ultra-high yield and monthly cash distributions. An investment equivalent to the 2026 TFSA annual limit, or $7,000, transforms into $37.92 in tax-free monthly income. As mentioned, IPO has kept investors whole on dividends over the last 44 months.

The company is constantly monitoring the pricing environment and remains focused on disciplined, flexible capital allocation. It aims to maintain financial strength to support long-term sustainability and returns to shareholders. Finally, InPlay Oil’s partnership with Israel-based Delek Group provides a powerful institutional backer. The energy and infrastructure conglomerate, with its strategic 32.7% ownership stake, will help build a long-term, sustainable, growth-oriented Canadian oil and gas producer.

InPlay Oil is a top TFSA pick but income investors should weigh the pros and cons before investing.

The post A 6.5% TFSA Pick That Pays Consistent Cash appeared first on The Motley Fool Canada.

More reading

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• The Key Things to Understand Before Holding U.S. Stocks in a TFSA
• 2 Top Canadian Dividend Stocks to Snap Up on a Dip
• TSX Today: What to Watch for in Stocks on Wednesday, June 17
• Canadians: Here’s How Much You Need Saved in Your TFSA to Retire

Fool contributor Christopher Liew has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Four years can change everything. A dividend stock that looks boring today can become a powerful wealth builder by 2030. That’s especially true if investors focus on companies with steady cash flow, clear growth plans, and the discipline to keep paying shareholders through messy markets. Inflation, interest rates, oil prices, and global growth may all shift over the next four years, but some Canadian dividend stocks look built to handle the ride.

FTS

Fortis (TSX:FTS) is the classic sleep-at-night pick. The utility owns regulated electric and gas assets across Canada, the United States, and the Caribbean. Customers keep using power in strong economies and weak ones, which gives Fortis a steady business model.

Investors still want reliable income as rate expectations keep moving around. Fortis paid a quarterly dividend of $0.64 per share in the first quarter of 2026, up 4.1% from last year to yield 3.2% at writing. Even better, management targets 4% to 6% annual dividend growth through 2030.

The catalyst comes from its $28.8 billion capital plan. Fortis can grow its rate base by investing in grid upgrades, transmission, and cleaner energy infrastructure. The risk comes from debt and regulation. Higher borrowing costs can pressure utilities, and regulators control how quickly costs flow through to customers. Still, Fortis remains one of Canada’s cleanest dividend anchors.

RY

Royal Bank of Canada (TSX:RY) is Canada’s largest bank by market value, with operations across personal banking, wealth management, capital markets, insurance, and U.S. banking. It just needs borrowers, savers, investors, and businesses to keep using financial services to make money.

RBC’s latest quarter showed real momentum. The bank declared a quarterly dividend of $1.76 per share, up 7%, yielding 2.5%. It also announced plans to buy back up to 45 million common shares, subject to approvals. That combination of dividend growth and buybacks gives shareholders two ways to benefit.

The catalyst over the next four years comes from scale. RBC can use its massive client base, wealth platform, and HSBC Canada integration to grow earnings. While banks can stumble when consumers feel stretched, RBC’s size and profitability make it a strong core dividend name.

CNQ

Canadian Natural Resources (TSX:CNQ) produces oil and natural gas across a huge asset base, including oil sands, conventional assets, and offshore production. Energy stocks can swing, but Canadian Natural has earned a reputation for returning cash to shareholders.

Oil headlines remain hot, and Canadian Natural continues to generate major cash flow. In the first quarter of 2026, the dividend stock returned about $1.5 billion directly to shareholders, including $1.2 billion in dividends and $300 million in share buybacks. That’s the kind of shareholder-return income investors like.

Canadian Natural can benefit if oil prices stay firm and pipeline capacity improves. The risk comes from commodity prices. If crude falls hard, cash flow shrinks. Environmental policy and pipeline delays can also weigh on long-term growth. Still, for investors who want energy exposure with income, CNQ deserves a close look.

BEP

Brookfield Renewable (TSX:BEP.UN) adds a growth-income angle. The dividend stock owns hydro, wind, solar, storage, and other clean-power assets around the world. Demand for electricity keeps rising as data centres, electrification, and industrial growth increase power needs.

The world needs more reliable power, not less. The dividend stock reported record first-quarter results in 2026, supported by its global portfolio. Its distribution gives investors income while they wait for renewable power demand to keep expanding.

Furthermore, artificial intelligence (AI), manufacturing, and grid upgrades all require massive investment. Brookfield Renewable can develop, own, and operate assets that help meet that need. The risk comes from interest rates, project costs, and execution. Renewable projects need capital, and higher rates can hurt valuations. Even so, the long-term power demand story looks strong.

Bottom line

These four dividend stocks don’t all move for the same reasons. But that’s exactly why I like them. For the next four years, investors don’t need to guess every market turn. They need durable businesses that can pay them while they wait. These four Canadian dividend stocks look ready for that job.

The post 4 Dividend Stocks to Buy and Hold for the Next 4 Years appeared first on The Motley Fool Canada.

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Fool contributor Amy Legate-Wolfe has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Brookfield Renewable Partners, Canadian Natural Resources, and Fortis. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

You would think that a Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA), given its name, means everything you earn inside it is yours to keep. For the most part, that is true.

Capital gains are tax-free. Canadian dividends are tax-free. Interest income is tax-free. Withdrawals are also completely tax-free, which is one reason the TFSA is arguably one of the best investment accounts available to Canadians.

The one notable exception is not actually the fault of the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Instead, you can thank our counterparts down south, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

Under current tax treaty rules, the United States does not recognize the TFSA as a retirement account. As a result, when Canadians hold U.S. stocks or U.S.-listed exchange-traded funds (ETFs) inside a TFSA, the U.S. government withholds 15% of any dividends before they ever reach your account.

There is no way around this withholding tax inside a TFSA. That sounds alarming at first, but in practice it is usually less important than many investors think. Still, there are a few situations where it can matter, and it is worth understanding the difference.

Understanding the withholding tax

The easiest way to think about the withholding tax is that it reduces your dividend income. Suppose you own a U.S. stock that pays a 1% dividend yield. Because of the 15% withholding tax, your effective yield becomes:

$1\% \times (1-0.15)=0.85\%$

At first glance, that may not seem like much. However, over long periods of time, those lost dividends can slightly reduce compounding because reinvested dividends contribute to long-term portfolio growth.

The one major exception is the Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP). Unlike a TFSA, the RRSP is recognized under the Canada-U.S. tax treaty. That means U.S. stocks and U.S.-listed ETFs held directly inside an RRSP generally avoid the 15% withholding tax entirely.

Does it really matter?

In many cases, not as much as people think. If you primarily own U.S. growth stocks, particularly those in the technology sector, the withholding tax often has very little impact because dividend yields are already low or nonexistent. Many investors have probably been paying withholding tax for years without even noticing because the underlying dividend yield was so small.

That is also one reason I have always had a soft spot for Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE:BRK.B). The company pays no dividend and instead compounds shareholder value by retaining earnings and reinvesting them internally.

The situation changes somewhat if you specifically target high-yield U.S. dividend stocks or income-focused ETFs. In those cases, the withholding tax becomes much more noticeable because it is being applied to a larger income stream.

Even then, though, I would not lose sleep over it. Yes, the withholding tax creates some drag. But a TFSA still offers enormous benefits through tax-free growth and tax-free withdrawals. In many situations, that advantage outweighs the relatively modest impact of dividend withholding taxes.

For investors who want to completely avoid the withholding tax, the RRSP remains an option. However, the decision between using a TFSA or RRSP should generally be driven by your income level, retirement plans, and overall tax situation rather than a narrow focus on withholding taxes.

Personally, I think it is important not to let the tail wag the dog. In this case, withholding taxes are the tail. Long-term investment returns, tax-free growth, and disciplined saving are the dog.

The post The Key Things to Understand Before Holding U.S. Stocks in a TFSA appeared first on The Motley Fool Canada.

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Fool contributor Tony Dong has positions in Berkshire Hathaway. The Motley Fool recommends Berkshire Hathaway. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Dips don’t last forever. That’s especially true with strong Canadian dividend stocks. When the market pulls back, investors often get a brief chance to buy quality names at better prices before confidence returns. The trick is knowing which stocks deserve attention before the discount arrives.

Royal Bank of Canada (TSX:RY) and Extendicare (TSX:EXE) both fit that watchlist. They operate in very different sectors, but both offer steady demand, clear cash flow, and businesses that Canadians will still need years from now. Neither stock looks like a wild bargain every day, but on a dip, both deserve a closer look.

RY

RBC stock remains one of the easiest dividend stocks in Canada to understand. It sits at the centre of the country’s financial system. Millions of Canadians use its banking, mortgage, wealth, insurance, and capital markets services. That kind of scale gives RBC stock staying power most companies can’t match.

Investors keep wrestling with interest rates, consumer debt, housing pressure, and market volatility. Those worries can weigh on bank stocks in the short term. Yet RBC stock keeps proving why it sits in a different league. In the second quarter of 2026, RBC stock reported net income of $5.5 billion, up 25% from the same period last year, showing how much earnings power the bank still has.

The dividend also keeps moving higher. RBC stock recently raised its quarterly common share dividend by 7% to $1.76 per share. That comes to $7.04 annually, yielding 2.52% at writing. The yield may not look massive when the stock trades near highs, but that’s exactly why a dip can matter. A lower entry price gives investors a better starting yield and more room for long-term capital growth.

RBC’s biggest catalyst remains its scale. Wealth management, commercial banking, and capital markets can all support earnings when the economy holds up. The HSBC Canada acquisition also gave RBC stock more customers and more banking relationships to deepen over time. That creates a long runway for cross-selling, deposits, lending, and advice.

EXE

Extendicare offers a very different dividend story. It operates in seniors’ care, home health care, and related services. Canada’s population keeps aging. Families need long-term care, retirement living, and home health support, and demand doesn’t disappear because the stock market has a bad month.

Extendicare expanded through its acquisition of CBI Home Health, which strengthens its home care platform. The dividend isn’t huge, but it’s steady and monthly. Extendicare recently paid $0.0441 per share each month. That works out to about $0.51 annually, yielding 1.6%. Income hunters may want more, but the better story here involves reliability, growth, and defensive demand. A lower share price would make that monthly income more attractive.

The risk comes from costs and regulation. Seniors’ care needs labour, and labour costs can rise quickly. Government funding rules can also change. Extendicare must keep service quality high while managing margins. Even so, Extendicare offers exposure to an essential service with a monthly dividend and long-term demographic support. That can make it a useful companion to a larger blue-chip dividend stock like RBC stock.

Bottom line

Together, RBC stock and Extendicare cover two powerful themes of financial strength and aging demographics. One gives investors a dominant bank with dividend growth. The other gives them healthcare-linked income with steady demand. Both can bring in substantial income even now, with $7,000.

Neither stock requires a heroic forecast. Investors just need patience. When the next market dip arrives, these two Canadian dividend stocks could offer the kind of quality worth snapping up before the crowd comes back.

The post 2 Top Canadian Dividend Stocks to Snap Up on a Dip appeared first on The Motley Fool Canada.

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Fool contributor Amy Legate-Wolfe has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Easing geopolitical tensions, declining Treasury bond yields, and firm metals prices continued to drive Canadian stocks higher for the fourth consecutive session on Tuesday, with investors also awaiting the U.S. Federal Reserve’s interest rate decision and economic projections. The S&P/TSX Composite Index climbed by 114 points, or 0.3%, to close at a new all-time high of 35,390 — extending its quarter-to-date gains to 8%.

On the one hand, consistently falling crude oil prices weighed on energy stocks, with some other key sectors like utilities and consumer staples also ending the day in negative territory. On the other hand, strong gains in mining, industrial, and financial shares were enough to lift the TSX benchmark to yet another record level.

Top TSX Composite movers and active stocks

SSR Mining (TSX:SSRM) jumped by more than 10% to $44.58 per share, making it the top-performing TSX stock for the day. In addition to strengthening metals prices, this rally in SSRM stock was also backed by the company’s announcement of an additional US$500 million share-repurchase program and the reinstatement of its quarterly dividend.

The gold and silver miner highlighted its strong financial position, backed by ongoing free cash flow generation and the expected US$1.5 billion cash sale of its Çöpler mine. SSR Mining’s board also signaled plans to declare a quarterly cash dividend of US$0.03 per share with its second-quarter results, boosting investor confidence in its shareholder return strategy.

Discovery Silver, Centerra Gold, and Lundin Gold were also among the day’s top gainers on the Toronto Stock Exchange, with each surging by at least 3.9%.

In contrast, shares of Gildan Activewear (TSX:GIL) tanked by nearly 19% after short seller Jehoshaphat Research published a critical report alleging that the apparel maker has been artificially boosting revenue growth through aggressive “channel stuffing” practices.

In response, however, Gildan said it’s confident that its disclosures provide investors with accurate and comprehensive information regarding its financial reporting and governance practices, while reaffirming its fiscal 2026 guidance.

TerraVest Industries, Celestica, and Montage Gold also fell by more than 4% each, making them among the day’s worst-performing TSX stocks.

Based on their daily trade volume, Canadian Natural Resources, B2Gold, Barrick Mining, Tourmaline Oil, and Telus were the five most active stocks on Tuesday.

TSX today

In early morning trading on Wednesday, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil futures prices plunged below US$75 per barrel for the first time in more than three months, which could continue to pressure TSX energy stocks at the open today.

While no major domestic economic releases are due, Canadian investors will keep an eye on the U.S. retail sales and the Fed policy decision later in the day for clues about the health of the world’s largest economy and the future path of interest rates.

The U.S. central bank is widely expected to leave its benchmark interest rate unchanged. However, investors will closely monitor updated economic projections and comments from Fed Chair Kevin Warsh for any signals regarding inflation trends, labour market conditions, and the potential timing of future rate cuts.

These factors, coupled with geopolitical developments amid the ongoing G7 Leaders’ Summit in France, could keep TSX investors cautious but engaged throughout the session.

Market movers on the TSX today

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The post TSX Today: What to Watch for in Stocks on Wednesday, June 17 appeared first on The Motley Fool Canada.

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Fool contributor Jitendra Parashar has positions in Canadian Natural Resources and Celestica. The Motley Fool recommends B2Gold, Canadian Natural Resources, Celestica, Centerra Gold, TELUS, TerraVest Industries, and Tourmaline Oil. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

One often confuses retirement planning with having a million-dollar portfolio. Can this one figure define a complex retirement plan? Each person has different financial needs, tax baskets, and investments. Only you or your financial advisor can tell what amount is right to retire. In this article, we will focus only on the Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) balance and how to determine the right balance for yourself.

The role of a TFSA in retirement planning

Retirement planning is divided into two phases:

• Investing for retirement is where you accumulate wealth by investing in high-growth assets like stocks, ETFs, and mutual funds. The TFSA is a great tool for this stage as it allows your investment to grow and be withdrawn tax-free.
• Investing in retirement is the distribution phase, where you shift your asset allocation to income-generating assets that can give you inflation-adjusted passive income. A Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) is a great tool for that, as your withdrawals are taxable. You don’t want to withdraw when you are in a high tax bracket and let the CRA take a big bite from your compounded investment.

But this doesn’t mean you stop investing in a TFSA after you retire. Unlike an RRSP, which ceases to exist in the year you turn 71, you can continue to invest and withdraw from a TFSA as long as you live. In fact, the TFSA withdrawals are not added to your taxable income and therefore do not affect your Old Age Security (OAS) payments.

You could consider accumulating TFSA wealth to fill in the gaps in your retirement planning, as your emergency and recreational fund.

How much money do you need in your TFSA to retire?

If you turned 18 in 2009, your cumulative TFSA contribution room is $109,000. Had you maxed out on your TFSA contribution every single year and earned an average 8% return, your TFSA portfolio would be $212,000 in 2026, when you turn 35.

Assuming the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) increases the TFSA contribution limit by $500 every four years, your cumulative TFSA contribution at age 60 could be $326,000. If your TFSA portfolio continues to earn an 8% average annual return, your TFSA balance could be $2.1 million by age 60. That’s the power of compounding.

This is an ideal scenario. But life has different plans. You will withdraw from a TFSA in your lifetime for various financial goals. Thankfully, the CRA adds back the withdrawals to your TFSA contribution room on January 1 each year.

You could also build a portfolio that may give you a 20% return, especially if you invest in the iShares NASDAQ 100 Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) (TSX:XQQ). This ETF can give you exposure to the hyper growth of the tech sector while mitigating risk by diversifying across the supply chain. Windfall gains in one segment could make up for bear markets in another. Discounting all these factors, even a portfolio growing at a compounded annual rate of 8% can give you $2 million in tax-free wealth.

Is a $2 million TFSA balance enough to retire?

$2 million may look big for now, but 25 years is a long time, and it is difficult to tell how inflation will grow. The CRA will give Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and OAS payouts, which could cover at least 50% of your necessities. RRSP, CPP, OAS, and any other employment pension will make up the majority of your retirement passive income.

TFSA only needs to cover your emergency fund, recreation costs, and gaps in retirement income. A 4% withdrawal rule could help determine if $2 million is sufficient to retire. If you withdraw 4% every year from a $2 million portfolio, it comes to $80,000 annually. Plan your retirement accordingly.

The post Canadians: Here’s How Much You Need Saved in Your TFSA to Retire appeared first on The Motley Fool Canada.

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Fool contributor Puja Tayal has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Many Canadians are now using the Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) exclusively to achieve their long-term financial goal, specifically retirement. However, the investment account’s versatility isn’t limited to a long-term retirement bucket.

TFSA account holders can create an inflation shield and generate a desired amount every month. In fact, making $500 in tax-free monthly income is possible with a lump-sum contribution today or through consistent, regular TFSA contributions over a period of time.

The fastest way to achieve the goal is to also pick companies that pay monthly dividends, not the traditional quarterly schedule. This strategy enables you to align the tax-free cash distribution with your monthly expenses. Reinvesting dividends to compound capital remains an option.

Two royalty stocks paying monthly dividends can form a twin cash-generating engine for income-focused TFSA investors. Freehold Royalties (TSX:FRU) and Diversified Royalty Corporation (TSX:DIV), both high-yield stocks but not dividend traps, continue to outperform the broader market thus far in 2026.

Activating and building a cash engine

The average dividend yield of Freehold Royalties and Diversified Royalty is 6.1%. TFSA investors with an accumulated or available contribution room of $97,700 can activate the cash engine overnight, generating $500.71 in monthly tax-free income.

This computation is strictly for illustration purposes and is intended for those with a significant amount of capital ready to invest. It also assumes an equal allocation of $48,850 each.

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) sets annual contribution limits. If you’re starting from scratch with the current $7,000 limit, it will take approximately 9.5 years to reach the $500 monthly target. The assumption here is a $3,500 investment in each stock annually and reinvesting every monthly dividend. Allow the two royalty stocks to work in your favour.

Strong business momentum

Freehold Royalties own lands in Canada and the U.S., where oil and gas producers operate. The $2.8 billion energy royalty company collects royalties from these operators or drillers. While the business model is low-risk, it is not insulated from the inherent volatility of the energy sector.

FRU benefits from rising commodity prices. As of this writing, the share price is $17.15, up nearly 16% year-to-date. The dividend yield is 6.3%. Its President and CEO, David M. Spyker, is confident that Freehold’s asset base will continue to generate meaningful cash flows. The company has never missed a monthly dividend payment since 1999.

High-flyer

Diversified owns trademarks and top-line royalties of ongoing business concerns such as Mr. Lube + Tires, Mr. Mikes, Air Miles, Sutton Group, Oxford Learning Centres, Nurse Next Door, and BarBurrito. Its U.S. royalty partners are Stratus Building Solutions and Cheba Hut.

Performance-wise, DIV is a high-flyer in 2026. At $4.75 per share, current investors enjoy a 31.4% year-to-date gain on top of the juicy 6% dividend. In Q1 2026, royalty income rose 12% to $17.3 million versus Q1 2025. Its CEO, Sean Morrison, notes the overall positive performance of the royalty partners. Dividend payments have been consistent since November 2014.

One-of-a-kind

The TFSA is a one-of-a-kind investment account. You can lock away capital and capitalize on the power of compounding to have a substantial retirement fund after a decade or more. You can also create a machine delivering a monthly tax-free income.

The post Use a TFSA to Make $500 in Monthly Tax-Free Income appeared first on The Motley Fool Canada.

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Fool contributor Christopher Liew has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Freehold Royalties. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Canada is entering one of the largest infrastructure investment cycles in its history, creating significant opportunities for long-term investors. According to ReNew Canada, the total value of the country’s largest public infrastructure projects has reached an impressive $343 billion. Even more notable, this represents a record-breaking one-year increase of $43 billion — the largest year-over-year jump in the report’s 20-year history.

This surge in spending reflects a national commitment to modernizing transportation networks, expanding energy capacity, and supporting population growth. For investors, it also signals a powerful trend that could benefit companies positioned to help build and operate the infrastructure of the future.

A multi-billion-dollar growth opportunity

ReNew Canada editor John Tenpenny highlighted that massive investments in nuclear energy and continued spending on transit projects demonstrate a long-term commitment to energy security and sustainable urban mobility.

The transit sector remains the largest segment, with 25 projects valued at approximately $123 billion. It is followed by buildings, with 36 projects totaling $81 billion, and energy, with 10 projects worth roughly $80 billion.

These figures illustrate that infrastructure spending is not limited to a single area of the economy. Instead, it spans transportation, power generation, construction, and public facilities. Investors who identify companies with exposure to these themes could benefit from years of project activity and recurring revenue opportunities.

Cameco: A nuclear powerhouse

One of the most compelling infrastructure-related investments on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) is Cameco (TSX:CCO). As one of the world’s largest uranium producers and the leading pure-play nuclear energy company in Canada, Cameco is well positioned to benefit from the growing demand for clean and reliable energy.

The company owns interests in some of the highest-grade uranium assets globally, located in northern Saskatchewan, while also holding a stake in Kazakhstan’s Inkai mine. Together, these operations help supply approximately 15% of global uranium production.

Beyond mining, Cameco participates throughout the nuclear fuel cycle, including uranium refining, conversion, and fuel manufacturing. The company has also expanded its reach through its 49% ownership stake in Westinghouse Electric Company, acquired alongside Brookfield Renewable. This provides exposure to reactor technology, engineering services, and nuclear plant construction, allowing Cameco to benefit from growth across the broader nuclear ecosystem.

Two more infrastructure stocks to watch

Bird Construction (TSX:BDT) is another company positioned to benefit directly from Canada’s infrastructure expansion. With more than 100 years of operating history, Bird Construction delivers large-scale projects across building, civil infrastructure, and industrial markets.

Importantly, the company entered 2026 with a contracted backlog of approximately $5.4 billion, providing revenue visibility for up to the next two years. An additional pending backlog of $5.6 billion further supports future growth and highlights continued demand for its services.

Meanwhile, Brookfield Infrastructure Partners L.P. (TSX:BIP.UN) offers investors exposure to essential infrastructure assets around the world. Its portfolio spans utilities, transportation, midstream energy, and data infrastructure businesses that generate stable, inflation-linked cash flows.

The company’s capital backlog of roughly US$9.6 billion supports growth over the next several years, with a major focus on data infrastructure and AI-related development. Combined with a distribution yield of approximately 4.8% and a target of 5% to 9% annual distribution growth, Brookfield Infrastructure provides both income and long-term growth potential.

Investor takeaway

Canada’s infrastructure boom is being driven by record levels of investment in transit, energy, and public construction projects. As billions of dollars flow into these sectors, companies such as Cameco, Bird Construction, and Brookfield Infrastructure appear well positioned to benefit. For investors seeking exposure to long-term economic growth and essential assets, now may be a good time to consider Canada’s infrastructure opportunity, especially on market corrections.

The post Why Now is the Time to Invest in Canada’s Infrastructure Boom appeared first on The Motley Fool Canada.

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Fool contributor Kay Ng has positions in Brookfield Infrastructure Partners. The Motley Fool recommends Brookfield Infrastructure Partners, Brookfield Renewable, Brookfield Renewable Partners, and Cameco. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

One of the most underrated ages for Canadian investors is age 45. At that point, you’re not at the beginning of your working life, but you’re not close to retirement either. What makes it interesting is that age 45 is a great time to perform a checkpoint on your TFSA and RRSP accounts to see if they are doing enough.

Understanding where your TFSA and RRSP accounts stand at 45 can shape the next two decades of retirement planning.

Recent estimates suggest Canadians in this age range may have TFSA and RRSP savings in the tens of thousands. Some may have more or less. Ultimately, the answer varies by circumstance.

But one key takeaway is often overlooked. There’s still enough time to boost your TFSA and RRSP accounts, provided that you pick the right investments.

That’s where the portfolio itself matters. Investors who want their TFSA and RRSP accounts to keep growing need a mix of income, diversification, and long-term compounding.

Fortunately, here’s a trio of picks that can do just that, even for a 45-year-old’s portfolio.

BMO offers bank dividends and long-term compounding

Canada’s big bank stocks are strong long-term options. And in the case of Bank of Montreal (TSX:BMO), that appeal is huge.

BMO is Canada’s oldest bank, with a history that stretches back nearly two centuries. During that time, the bank has continued to grow and reliably pay its quarterly dividend.

Today, the yield on that dividend works out to 2.9%. The bank has also provided annual upticks to that dividend for over a decade. For investors reinvesting dividends, BMO’s yield and dividend history are major advantages.

Turning to growth, the big banks have turned to international markets to fund growth. In BMO’s case, that growth market is the U.S.

BMO currently operates in 32 state markets, resulting in billions of loan deposits across millions of customers.

In short, for investors considering how to bolster their long-term TFSA and RRSP accounts, BMO can provide both the growth and income-earning potential needed.

This combination of dividends and long-term compounding makes BMO a natural fit for TFSA and RRSP accounts.

Emera adds defensive utility income

Like the big banks, utility stocks represent another segment of the market known to provide both defensive appeal and income. In this case, Emera (TSX:EMA) adds that more defensive layer into the mix.

As a utility company, Emera operates in a sector less exposed to changes in consumer behavioUr. The company’s operations are backed by long-term regulated contracts that often span decades.

Adding to that appeal is the sheer necessity of utility service. No matter how the market is performing, people still need electricity. This gives Emera a unique defensive appeal that few companies can match.

The result is a recurring and stable revenue stream that allows Emera to invest in growth initiatives while paying out an attractive quarterly dividend. As of the time of writing, Emera offers a yield of 4%.

And like BMO, Emera has an established cadence of providing annual increases to its dividend going back nearly two decades. This makes the stock an ideal addition for investors looking to build their TFSA and RRSP accounts.

Add some monthly income and diversification

Rounding out the trio of investments to add to TFSA and RRSP accounts is an income ETF.

Specifically, BMO Monthly Income ETF (TSX:ZMI) is the option for investors to consider. The fund is designed to provide a monthly cash flow while offering potential for long-term capital growth.

The fund is a fund-of-funds, drawing from other income and bond-focused ETFs. In terms of income, BMO Monthly Income offers a yield of 4% that is paid out on a monthly cadence.

For 45-year-olds not ready to draw income, that monthly payout can provide more frequent compounding. The fund also reduces the need to pick every holding yourself, making it an ideal set-and-forget option.

Build your TFSA and RRSP accounts with intention

A typical 45-year-old still has decades to build their TFSA and RRSP accounts and ensure that they are moving in the right direction.

That’s where regular contributions, dividend reinvestment, and diversification can help.

Fortunately, the trio of options mentioned above can provide the income and growth potential as well as defensive appeal.

Buy them, hold them, and watch your TFSA and RRSP accounts grow.

The post How Much a Typical 45-Year-Old Has in TFSA and RRSP Accounts appeared first on The Motley Fool Canada.

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Fool contributor Demetris Afxentiou has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Emera. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

High-yield and monthly dividends are very desirable to income investors. Dividend companies know this, although many have adapted a quarterly payout schedule to align with quarterly financial reporting. A select few TSX-listed companies pay cash monthly, but Canadian real estate investment trusts (REITs) have instant appeal and dominate this niche by addressing the strong demand for frequent payouts.

The revenue model of REITs is anchored on monthly rent collections. This cash flow stream is a perfect match for investors seeking monthly distributions. Technically, you become a pseudo-landlord minus the operational and maintenance headaches of true rental property owners.

A sound investment option for income-oriented investors today is SmartCentres Real Estate Investment Trust (TSX:SRU.UN). This fully integrated REIT is present in Canada’s major cities. It is primarily a retail landlord, with retail properties forming the core cash engine.

Performance-wise, SRU.UN outpaces the broader market year-to-date, up 20.6% versus plus-10.2%. At $30.21 per share, the yield is a juicy 6.1%. A $14,712.27 investment, or 487 shares, transforms into $75 in monthly tax-free passive income inside a Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA).

Growing retail base

SmartCentres formed a joint venture partnership with Walmart in 1999. The retail giant is now the anchor tenant in 114 shopping centres across the country. Diversified JV partnerships followed, and today the retail base is growing alongside a mixed-use portfolio.

Strong revenue from the diversified tenant base, with 80% being necessity-based tenants, supports stable distributions to unitholders. Walmart Canada plans to invest $6.5 billion as it prepares for a nationwide expansion by 2030. SmartCentres will likewise capitalize on announced expansion plans of other leading tenants such as Dollarama, Loblaw, and Metro Inc.

Retail isn’t the only avenue for future growth. The pipeline for mixed-use development is around 87.4 million square feet, the largest in the REIT industry. Recurring income sources include apartments, offices, self-storage, industrial, and parking. Residential properties, comprising condos and townhouses, will provide development income. All the growth initiatives aim to achieve a recession-resistant portfolio.

Strong retail demand

The Q1 2026 results are reflected in the stock’s performance. In the three months ending March 31, 2026, net operating income (NOI) increased 0.9% year-over-year to $144.8 million. Net income reached $129.9 million from a $9.6 million net loss in Q1 2025. SmartCentres notes the strong retail demand during the quarter.

The REIT reported average rent growth of 5.8%, including anchor tenants. Notably, approximately 80% of maturing leases in 2026 were extended. SmartCentres remains focused on value-oriented retail, notwithstanding the ongoing enhancement of tenant quality. An ambitious growth program is underway for its core giant retailers. The construction of two high-development projects will begin later in 2026.

Leasing momentum was resilient in the first quarter, with around 56,000 square feet of vacant space leased. At the quarter-end, the average in-place and committed occupancy rate was 98.6%.

Stable distribution profile

The company, with Board approval, has the discretion to implement a dividend policy, including a payout schedule. SmartCentres has consistently paid monthly dividends since January 2003, indicating a highly stable distribution profile. However, analysts don’t expect meaningful dividend growth from this TFSA stock anytime soon.

The post 6% Every Month? 1 TFSA Stock Doing Just That appeared first on The Motley Fool Canada.

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Fool contributor Christopher Liew has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Dollarama, SmartCentres Real Estate Investment Trust, and Walmart. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.