Some traders transfer to the sidelines when market volatility rises, as we’ve seen thus far in 2026. Nevertheless, those that will keep regardless of the uncertainties can counter the negativity with a goofproof plan.
Anchor your inventory portfolio in high-quality, resilient companies constructed for the long run. Your holdings could possibly be 4 prime Canadian shares that may play particular roles: stability, earnings, defence, and excessive progress.
Stability
Revenue-focused traders know that Financial institution of Montreal (TSX:BMO) is synonymous with stability. Canada’s banking sector is a bedrock of stability, however the nation’s oldest and third-largest monetary establishment is TSX’s dividend pioneer. The $136.2 billion financial institution began paying dividends in 1829, a observe report of 196 years.
BMO lately introduced a 5% dividend hike following spectacular fiscal 2025 monetary outcomes. As of this writing, the share worth is $192.17, whereas the dividend provide is 3.48%. Within the 12 months ended October 31, 2025, internet earnings elevated 19% yr over yr to $8.7 billion.
The acquisition of the Financial institution of the West expanded its U.S. presence to 32 states, together with a strong footing within the high-end California market. Within the fourth quarter (This fall) of fiscal 2025, internet earnings of BMO’s U.S. banking phase rose 187.2% to $807 million versus This fall fiscal 2024.
Revenue
Enbridge (TSX:ENB) is a dividend-growth inventory and an earnings engine. The $159.9 billion power infrastructure large has raised dividends for 31 consecutive years. At $73.30 per share, you may partake within the profitable 5.29% dividend (quarterly payout). In 2025, whole earnings attributable to frequent shareholders climbed 39.2% to $7.1 billion in comparison with the total yr 2024.
In keeping with its CEO, Greg Ebel, Enbridge’s low-risk industrial framework delivered predictable outcomes, however the tariff battle and geopolitical dangers. With new initiatives getting into service, he expects 2026 to be one other yr of regular and predictable progress.
Defensive
North West Firm (TSX:NWC) dominates the hard-to-reach markets in northern Canada, Alaska, and the Caribbean. This over 350-year-old enterprise is the lifeline of customers within the distant communities. The $2.6 billion retailer-plus-more enjoys a monopoly-like standing as a consequence of a scarcity of competitors.
NWC’s allied companies embody Logistics & Aviation, Monetary Providers, and Healthcare Merchandise & Providers. The Business Gross sales division handles massive volumes from native governments, hospitals, and faculties. Excessive climate circumstances might have an effect on gross sales, though NWC reported constant profitability within the final 4 fiscal years (2022-2025).
Notably, the diversified companies maintain profitability and assist dividend payouts. At $54.73 per share, the dividend yield is 3%.
Excessive-growth
Hammond Energy Options (TSX:HPS.A) is among the many high-flyers in 2026, besting even different constituents within the top-performing fundamental supplies sector. At $210.89 per share, the year-to-date acquire is 32.2% in comparison with the broad market’s +4.3%. HPS.A ranked first within the 2024 TSX30 Listing and third in 2025. The commercial inventory’s five-year return is an enormous +2,422.11%.
The $2.5 billion firm operates in Canada, the U.S., Mexico, and India, offering dry-type transformers and high-power high quality merchandise. For 2026, the buildup of AI infrastructure and hyperscale knowledge centres is a strong tailwind for Hammond. Web earnings has been rising yearly since 2021.
Safety towards draw back
Distributing capital throughout 4 prime Canadian shares with outlined roles in your portfolio ensures safety towards draw back. The mix additionally serves as a basis for long-term wealth creation.
