Topic: How To Invest

Hi Pat. Which of the major Canadian banks would be the best choice for adding to one’s portfolio at this time? Many thanks in advance.

Article Excerpt

Canada’s big five banks have avoided the problems with subprime mortgages and European sovereign debt that have crippled many of the world’s largest financial firms. The big banks are now using their strong balance sheets to make acquisitions, often at bargain prices, and to upgrade their holdings. We see all of the top five Canadian banks – Bank of Montreal, Royal Bank, CIBC, TD Bank and Bank of Nova Scotia – as buys. We also think that every Canadian investor should own at least one of them, but holding two or even three is a good idea, as well. Right now, we see Bank of Nova Scotia, $53.44, symbol BNS on Toronto (Shares outstanding: 1.1 billion; Market cap: $58.8 billion; www.scotiabank.com), as a Best Buy. Buy. …