Why would someone buy bonds instead of stocks?

There are several reasons to initiate fixed-income positions in periods of low growth and economic slowdown as a recession or an economic contraction looms. Further, institutional asset managers such as life insurance companies or pension funds have long-dated liabilities that match bond return profiles, facilitating liability-driven flows.

Are bonds less risky than stocks?

Bonds hold less risk than equities of the same issuer, but a general statement encompassing all bonds is hard to make. Government bonds issued by large G10 governments usually have a very slim chance of default, making those bonds almost risk-free.

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6 Key Differences Between Bonds vs Stocks

The main difference between bonds and stocks is that bonds represent debt obligations while stocks are tied to ownership of an entity.

Is Beanstox Investing App Available in Canada?

While Beanstox is not accessible to Canadians, there are a number of options that allow investors to create diversified portfolios with a similar cost structure.

Is Merrill Edge Coming to Canada?

Merrill Edge is a trusted brokerage platform owned by Bank of America. While the platform is not available in Canada, there are many alternatives.

3 Day Trading Alternatives to Lightspeed Trading Canada

As the name suggests, Lightspeed trading is a platform that offers speed and performance. While not available in Canada, here are some alternatives.

5 Best High Yielding Dividend ETFs in Canada

Dividend stocks are some of the best investments for those seeking passive income. However, individual stocks are exposed to unique risks. A downturn in a specific industry could lead some companies to cut dividends or suspend them altogether.

How to Invest in Silver: 5 Simple Methods

Investors turn to precious metals as they have stood the test of time as a store of value and a hedge against inflation. Here are 5 ways one can begin investing in silver.

5 Easy Ways to Start Investing in Gold Today!

Gold holds a unique position in the financial ecosystem as an asset class that continues to be recognized as a store of value and used as an inflation hedge.

5 Ways You Can Start Investing in Commodities

Well-diversified portfolios often allocate capital into commodities to hedge their portfolios' inflation risks. The most commonly traded commodities are often bucketed into 4 major categories, Energy, Metals, Agriculture and Livestock/Meats.

5 Best Technology ETFs in Canada to Consider Buying

Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are a quick and convenient way to add exposure to certain investment themes. Here are some of the top tech ETFs that should be on your radar.

3 Investing Platforms Similar to Wealthfront Canada

A popular robo-advisor in the US, Wealthfront is not available in Canada, however here are 3 alternative automated investing platforms Canadians can use.

SigFig Canada Investing Software Alternatives

SigFig is not available in Canada. SigFig is a portfolio tracking platform that allows you to aggregate accounts across brokerages and see all your financial information in one place.

5 Steps to Start Investing For Beginners

To streamline the investing process and achieve consistently positive outcomes, it is essential to have an asset allocation framework and make prudent decisions regarding the construction and composition of a portfolio.

How to Buy an Index Fund

Index funds are an attractive investment option that does not require picking individual stocks. Here are some ways to buy index funds in Canada.

What is an Index Fund?

Index funds invest your money among a broad range of companies allowing you to easily diversify your portfolio and reduce risk.

5 Best Index Funds Canadians Should Consider Investing In

Here are 5 of the best index funds Canadians can buy right now.

Segregated Funds vs Mutual Funds: Key Differences Explained

The main difference between segregated funds and mutual funds is that segregated funds offer principal protection on investments and these products are sold by insurance companies, unlike mutual funds which are sold by asset management companies or financial institutions.

5 Ways Wealthsimple Makes Money Without Charging Commissions

As a zero-commission service, many wonder how Wealthsimple is able to make money. Here are some of the indirect ways you pay fees on the platform.

3 Excellent Alternatives to Personal Capital Canada

Personal Capital is a wealth management platform that offers a variety of services. While it isn't available in Canada, there are many alternatives.

Canadians Can’t Open A Moomoo Investing Account

Despite having 18+ million users on their app, Moomoo doesn’t permit Canadians to register on their platform.

Acorns Canada is Not Available, Try These Alternatives Instead

Acorns is a finance app that allows individuals to invest in the market. The platform is not available in Canada, but here are some alternatives.

What Is The Canadian Investor Protection Fund (CIPF)?

The Canadian Investor Protection Fund is a crucial pillar of the Canadian investment industry that acts to safeguard your money. Here's how it works.

How Many Shares of a Stock Should I Buy?

Investors should aim to diversify across sectors in order to minimize company- and industry-specific risk, and generate excess returns over the benchmark.

Stock Order Types: Using Market, Limit & Stop Order Types

Despite variances in fees and features across different brokerages, there is consensus on the different stock order types that investors can place on the exchanges.

How to Buy Bonds in Canada (4 Steps)

While not as common as buying equities, investing in bonds is still fairly popular as bonds are great vehicles to generate income while keeping capital protected.

RSU vs Stock Options: What’s the Difference & Which is Better?

Stock Options vs RSUs: What To Choose

Non Registered Savings Plans (NRSP): What Are They Used For?

A Non-Registered Savings Plan (NRSP) is an account you can open to save and invest without the restrictions of a registered savings account. An NRSP is not registered with the CRA.

Lifelong Learning Plan (LLP): What Is It & Should I Use It?

Through the Lifelong Learning Plan, you can withdraw up to $10,000 in a calendar year from your RRSP for a full-time training or education program.

What Are Fractional Shares & How Do They Work?

Trading fractional shares is a great way to begin investing without too much capital. This allows investment into companies with high share prices

thinkorswim Canada is Available! (2022)

thinkorswim Canada is available to new and existing Canadian customers.

What is the Canada Savings Bond?

Canada Savings Bonds supported the Canadian government in raising funding for capital projects, while enabling Canadians to channel their savings into a virtually risk-free asset. The initiative has been discontinued as of December 2021.

3 Alternatives to the Stash Canada Investing Platform

Stash is a finance app that allows users to invest small amounts of money. While it isn't available in Canada, there are some great alternatives.

What is Options Trading & How Does It Work?

Options allow investors to buy and sell a certain security at a predetermined price in a specific time period. The value of the option is dependent on the relation of this predetermined price and the price of the underlying security, as well as how much time to expiry is left on the option contract.

RPP vs RRSP: Here’s the Main Difference

The registered pension plan (RPP) and the registered retirement savings plan (RRSP) are accounts you can use to save for retirement. Here's what you should know about both plans.

RRIF vs RRSP: Considerations Before Converting

The primary difference between a Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF) and a Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) is that you a RRSP is used to save and invest for retirement, whereas a RRIF is used to pay you periodic income in retirement.

4 Steps to Start Trading Options in Canada Today!

Investing in equities through options can become more attainable when investors take a step-by-step approach and utilize an organized framework

What Are Employee Stock Options & How Do They Work?

Employers offer employees stock options to buy shares of the company at a specified price based on performance and other targets, to incentivize employees and drive a stronger alignment of interests.

What is a Dividend and How Are They Paid?

A dividend is a payment a firm makes to its shareholders, usually in cash. It's a great way to earn passive income and share in a firm's profits

Ally Invest Alternatives For Canadians

Ally Invest is a brokerage platform that offers commission-free trades. While the platform is not available in Canada, here are several alternatives.

What is Value Investing & How to Get Started

Value investing focuses on analyzing companies with a bottoms-up approach and identifying stocks that are presently trading below their “fair value”.

What is a PRPP in Canada? (Pooled Registered Pension Plan)

Here's what a PRPP is and how can you use it to your advantage.

Group RRSPs: What They Are and How They Work

What are group RRSPs? Should I join a group RRSP? How does a group RRSP work? Your group RRSP questions are finally answered!

What Are Electronic Communication Network (ECN) Fees?

ECN fees are charged by brokerages when specific types of orders are placed. Knowing what they are and when they are charged can help save you fees.

Dollar Cost Averaging: What It Is, Benefits and Drawbacks

Dollar cost averaging aims to lower the cost of acquisition of a security by making steady purchases on a periodic basis.

What is ESG Investing & Does It Make a Difference?

Asset managers such as pension funds, endowments and others are shifting toward assessing the environmental, social and other impacts of their investing footprint in public and private markets.

What is Short Selling & How to Short a Stock

In simple terms, short selling is a method that enables market participants to sell securities without owning the underlying security.

LIFs Explained & How Withdrawals Work

A Life Income Fund (LIF) is a registered income fund that provides money from your locked-in pension accounts in retirement.

What is a RRIF & When Should You Convert Your RRSP to a RRIF?

A registered retirement income fund, also known as a RRIF, is a registered plan that you transfer funds from a registered retirement savings plan (RRSP) to, with the purpose of receiving periodic income in retirement.

Reverse Stock Split & How it Works

When companies find their share price dropping, they may consider a reverse stock split. Splitting can bring prices up and stabilize the situation.

What is a Stock Split & How Does it Work?

Companies that find their share prices rising too high may consider a stock split to bring things back to earth and attract more retail investors.

What is a Bond & How Do They Work?

A bond represents a loan obligation wherein a borrower agrees to pay the lender at a specified rate known as the coupon rate in a specified time period or maturity.

401k Canada: Here’s the Equivalent for Canadians

The 401k is a tax-advantaged retirement savings plan that allows Americans to defer tax on income earned. Here's the Canadian Equivalent of a 401k.

Exploring the Different Types of Mutual Funds

Mutual Funds allow you to grow your money without any investing experience. Investment professionals handle the day-to-day details using this method.

Here’s What an ETF is and the Different Types

ETFs are a way to invest in the stock market that broadens your diversification options and can lower your investment fees.

How to Invest in Stocks – 4 Steps for Canadians

Investing in stocks can seem daunting at first, but the key to getting a head start into investing is to have a well-defined objective and a financial plan to achieve your unique goals.

What is Payment for Order Flow (PFOF) & Is It Allowed?

Payment for Order Flow is a controversial practice that allows brokerage firms to generate revenue without needing to charge trading commissions.

Is SoFi Canada Available Yet?

SoFi is a personal finance company attemping to modernize the financial industry. The company doesn't operate in Canada, but there are alternatives.

5 Main Types of Bonds Explained

Bonds can be defined into the following five buckets: Sovereign Debt, Supranational Sub-Sovereign Agency (SSA Debt), Real Return Bonds (RRBs), Corporate Credit and Asset-Backed Securities.

What is a Margin Account & Should You Use One?

Margin accounts provide investors with the ability to borrow money from their broker to enhance their buying power.

3 Trusted Alternatives to eToro Canada

Offering a variety of social features, eToro is a quickly growing trading platform. While not available in Canada, there are several other options.

Mutual Funds: What Are They and How Do They Work

While the stock market is becoming an increasingly popular method of investing, other asset classes such as mutual funds are still great investments.

Wealthsimple Trade Review – Zero Commission Trading in Canada

The ultimate Wealthsimple Trade starter pack - covering features, fees, how to start investing, and more!

Management Expense Ratio (MER) Explained

The Ultimate Guide to Mutual Fund Fees in Canada

Will TradeZero be Available in Canada This Year?

TradeZero is a popular platform, offering commission-free trades across its mobile and web apps. TradeZero is now available to Canadians.

Investing in GICs (Guaranteed Investment Certificates)

What are GICs and how can they be included in your investment portfolio?

Hedged vs Unhedged ETFs: A Simple Guide

The main difference between a hedged and unhedged ETF is that a hedged ETF looks to mitigate for foreign exchange risk, while an unhedged ETF leaves investors exposed to currency fluctuations and risk.

TFSA Withdrawal Rules, Limits & Re-Contributions Explained

The Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) withdrawal and re-contribution implications explained.

A Complete Guide to Registered Education Savings Plans (RESPs)

This guide provides information on what you need to know about the Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) in Canada.

Money Market Funds in Canada: What Are They & Which Ones Are Best

Money market funds are a great option for investors looking for low-risk investments. Investors have many options as there are over 100 funds in Canada.

What is Compound Interest & How to Calculate It

The "magic" of compound interest can help you reach your savings target sooner in life. Here's how it works and how to calculate it.

7 TFSA Rules That Everyone Should Know

Wondering what you can and can't do with your TFSA? Read this guide to learn all about the various TFSA rules so you can make the most of your TFSA.

The Smith Maneuver Guide For Canadians

Wondering how you can achieve multiple financial goals in one go? Read this Smith Manoeuver guide for Canadians and see how simple it can be.

TD Ameritrade Canada is Not Available, Here Are The Details

TD Ameritrade is a trading platform full of great features. However, the platform is not available in Canada. Here are three great alternatives.

Day Trading in Canada: A Simple Guide

Day trading refers to buying and selling a stock within the same day. This practice can be profitable, but is highly speculative and involves risks.

What Is A Spousal RRSP & Is It Right For You?

For couples, spousal RRSPs are one of the best ways to save for retirement. Both higher and lower wage earners can benefit from using spousal RRSPs.

RRSP Withdrawal Rules: A Complete Guide

Here's what you need to know if you're considering withdrawing from your RRSP early.

Stop Limit Order: What is it & When to use it

Stop-limit is an order type used to execute trades within a specific price range. When implemented correctly, this technique can offer many benefits.

What is a Locked-In Retirement Account (LIRA) & How Does it Work?

Locked-In Retirement Accounts are lesser-known retirement savings accounts. Not everyone can open one, and there are many rules on how they are used.

Self-Directed TFSA: Build & Manage Your Own Investment Portfolio

This article covers the basics of Self-Directed TFSAs, the value it brings, potential pitfalls, and how to get started with an account of your own!

Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) Guide for Canadians

Saving enough money for retirement can be a formidable task. Learn how an RRSP can accelerate your savings rate and slash your tax bill along the way.

RRSP Contribution and Deduction Limits For 2021

Putting money into an RRSP is a great way to both lower your taxable income and save for retirement. Here are some details on RRSPs in Canada.

RRSP Deadline was March 1, 2022

The RRSP deadline for the 2020 tax year was March 1st, 2021. That means you had until that deadline to contribute to your RRSP for the 2020 tax year.

Is Charles Schwab Coming BACK to Canada?

Charles Schwab is unfortunately not available in Canada anymore. Here are some alternatives for Canadians.

Webull Canada is Unavailable, Here Are Your Alternatives

The popular trading platform Webull is unfortunately not available in Canada. Luckily, there are several alternatives that are great choices.

TFSA Contribution Limits By Year

Learn how you can stay within the rules and be as efficient as possible with your tax-free savings accounts.

RSP vs RRSP: A Simple Guide

Unsure about the difference between a RSP vs RRSP? Read this easy-to-follow guide and rid yourself of all confusion about retirement savings plans.

TFSA vs RRSP: Which is a Better Fit For Your Goals?

Two-thirds of Canadians hold either a TFSA or an RRSP, or both. Let’s look at what these accounts have to offer, and which best suits your particular needs.

5 Best Canadian REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts) To Invest In

Real Estate Investment Trusts in a great way for Canadian investors to diversify their portfolio and gain exposure to the real estate market.

Norbert’s Gambit Explained

Canadian traders who want to purchase U.S. stocks are likely to face high conversion fees. Norbert's gambit is a great way to get around this issue.

Interactive Brokers Canada Review – Here’s What You Need To Know

Interactive Brokers is a great choice for Canadians looking for the optimal balance between features and fees.

Robinhood Canada is Not Available, Check Out These 3 Alternatives

While Robinhood is not available in Canada, here are some great alternatives that offer many of the same amazing features for Canadian investors.

Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA) Guide for Canadians

In the world of Canadian personal finance, the Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA) is one of the most important tools that investors can use as a ‘tax shelter’ for their investments.

Index Fund vs Mutual Fund: Similarities and Differences

The Ultimate Comparison: Index ETFs vs Mutual Funds in Canada

TradeStation Canada is Not Available, Here Are Some Alternatives

TradeStation is a brokerage platform that offers great research tools for advanced traders. Unfortunately, the platform is not available in Canada

4 Strategies to Generate Passive Income in Canada

A great way to increase earnings is to create a stream of passive income. Long-term, steady streams of income can be possible using these methods.

5 Best S&P 500 ETFs for Canadians

Here are 5 of the best S&P 500 ETFs that Canadians can easily invest in.

3 Alternatives to Tastyworks Canada

For investors looking into options trading, tastyworks is a great choice. However, the company isn't operating in Canada. Here are some alternatives.

Can I Get a Roth IRA in Canada?

Roth IRA accounts are a great way to grow wealth. While only available to Americans, there is a very similar account type for Canadians as well.

Etrade Canada is NOT Available, Try These Alternatives

While Etrade no longer is offered in Canada, there are several great traditional and newer alternatives to meet the needs of Canadian investors.

Here’s Why Wealthsimple Is Safe To Use

Wealthsimple is a brokerage platform that offers secure trading. Clients of Wealthsimple can rest assured that the company takes security seriously.