Portfolio Value Update - January 2020

Oh boy! January 2020 is already behind us. How did you like the start of the New Year? I think we started the year on a sour note. The conflict between US and Iran; the plane and the helicopter crash; the coronavirus outbreak. I feel bad for people who lost lives to this virus. It’s terrible. The death rate among infected is very high. I’m confident doctors and scientists will come up with antibodies very soon. This needs to stop so people could go back to their normal lives.



Portfolio Value
In January, my portfolio value increased by $8,414 and closed at $91,513. The majority of the increase came from new TFSA contribution of $6,000. The rest of the increase came from stocks appreciation. In the past, I would contribute to my TFSA every month to buy stocks. This year I decided to max out my TFSA contribution limit right away.

Maxed out my TFSA, No Nore Monthly Contributions, and New Stock Purchases

Maxed out my TFSA
Hey guys! I would like to provide a few updates regarding my TFSA account and new stock purchases. If you follow my blog for a long time, you know that I make monthly contributions and stock purchases in my TFSA account. This time, I decided to make some changes and maxed out my TFSA right away. One of the main advantages is that I will boost my income and will collect higher payouts throughout the year.

The Bumpy Start of 2020!

What a rough start of 2020! The tension between the US and Iran, the killing of an Iranian general, the missile attacks on American bases in Iraq and the latest downing of the Ukrainian plane killing all 176 people on board including 63 Canadian citizens. All of this will contribute to the market downturn in the next few weeks. So far the markets were resistant to all the negative news related to the Middle East. I believe it’s the plane crash that will unleash the market selloff.

Portfolio Value Update - December 2019

Hey everyone! Welcome back. I hope you’re all enjoying the time off this holiday season. December 2019 and a whole decade is now behind us! Wow, what a journey it was. We made a lot of progress in personal and financial front. With that being said, it’s time to report my monthly update, but first, Cheers to the next decade! May the new decade give you the strength and motivation to focus on your ultimate plan towards financial independence.


Portfolio Value
In December, my portfolio value decreased by $574 and closed at $83,098.59. Not bad, considering that in November my portfolio value increased by more than $3,000. I was anticipating a greater decline in value due to the sell-off season, so as far as the portfolio value goes, I’m happy the way we finished the year.

The Last Stock Purchase of the Year!

I’m happy to announce that the last stock purchase of the year is completed. I decided to add to my TD Bank position. The TD shares slightly decreased this week so I decided to take advantage of a lower price. I bought 13 shares at $73.76 per share and added $39.88 to my forward dividend income. TD is a quarterly dividend payer. The next ex-dividend date for TD is Jan 9, 2020 and the payout date on January 30, 2020.

One of my investment objectives for 2019 was to invest in Canadian Banks. I think that worked out as planned. Over the course of a year, I bought shares in Royal Bank, TD, BMO, and CIBC. I also own shares in a regional bank, Laurentian Bank.

My total portfolio exposure to Canadian banks is about 11%. Next year I plan to double my positions in Banks and start a position in BNS. Canadian Banks are very well run businesses and they can weather the storm in case of a recession.

And speaking of a recession, I hear more and more topics regarding the recession in 2020. Analysts like to hype the drama to sour investors' sentiment. Don't fall for that trap. Even if the correction happens, it will be short-lived. Take advantage of any corrections and invest in blue-chip stocks and you will be fine.

What are your investment plans for 2020???