Happy New Year! I thought we’d kick off 2026 with a look at the BTSX Portfolio. As you may know that is a simple market-beating Canadian stock portfolio strategy. The investor holds the top ten highest yields from the TSX 60 index. They rinse and repeat each year. It doesn’t always work but the long term outperformance is truly surprising. The Beat The TSX Portfolio underperformed in 2023 and in 2024, did it pick up the pace in 2025? BTSX was leading the way for most of 2025.
I have a dedicated post that looks at the Beat The TSX Portfolio.
Click on that link to find the returns comparison for the BTSX vs The TSX Composite in 2025. I also used Scott Barlow’s list of the top yielding TSX stocks with risk level to construct the 2026 Beat The TSX Portfolio.
Check out Retirement Club for Canadians
In the post you’ll also find my take on using BTSX stocks for retirement. We discuss portfolio construction and risk at Retirement Club. 2025 was the first year of Retirement Club, it was and is a wonderful experience. I prepared in advance but also spent the full year studying all things retirement. What is most surprising and fills most of us with optimism is that with the right information and the right tools it’s not that difficult to make retirement a breeze. Here’s the most telling post of the experience and reasons for optimism …
The simple strategies that can set you up for retirement success.
We are accepting new members for the 2026 group. Use the Contact Dale form at the top of this page if you’d like to join us for a Retirement Club Zoom Tour this coming Tuesday at 7 pm EST.
The wonderful returns of 2025
Here’s the returns of global markets. Canada was a top performer. Of course you didn’t have that on your 2025 bingo card. What’s up for 2026? As I stated in last week’s Sunday Reads – My market predictions for 2026: I don’t have a clue.
And asset classes …
U.S. sector returns.
2026 to 2025 – “Hold my beer”
January 3rd delivered a shocker as the U.S. pulled off a military raid and nabbed the President of Venezuela. It became very clear the Trump wants regime change and his share of Venezuelan oil and other resources for American companies. Venezuelan oil is heavy oil, just as what is found in the Canadian oil sands. It’s a direct competitor. While the well-being of the Venezuelan people is much more important than investment considerations, investors will want to know ‘what’s up?’.
Inside perspective on the Venezuelan oil front …
And, wait there’s more …
And all said, nothing much has happened in Venezuela. A leader was removed. The interim President is demanding his release, calling it a kidnapping. She states no one will control their assets. The government is the same. The military is the same. There are no U.S. troops on the ground.
Venezuela is still uninvestable. Perhaps even more so in 2026. IMHO it’s highly unlikely that Trump will invade and occupy Venezuela with midterm elections in 2026. Is there a backroom deal with Venezuelan leaders and military? Who knows? I’m just guessing of course and we know what that’s worth. The world’s most interesting commodity just got more interesting.
I’ll continue to hold and add to our Canadian oil and gas stocks.
The 2026 message remains the same – get an investment plan and stick to it like glue.
More Sunday Reads
At Findependence Hub another look at 2025 and the year that was.
Here’s how Dan’s filling his TFSA in 2026 …
At Tawcan Bob offers his 2025 wrap up post.
The Loonie Doctor calls it the 2025 highlights.
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Bought more ENB for our TFSAs. Now 50% ENB, 50% BNS.
Combined value hit $712,000 on Friday. Income (if so desired for use) near $37,000 but just gets reinvested. I’m 72.
China is a major investor in Venezuelan oil assets/infrastructure – billions and billions. That’s the real story – “Get off our turf”. Narco terrorism may be what is being sold to the public, and it may even be true. But it’s only OK if it’s one of our guys, like the pardoned (by Trump) ex President of Honduras.
It will be interesting how the TSX will respond tomorrow.
Hi Dale,
The BTSX strategy is to beat the TSX60 (XIU), not the TSX Composite (XIC). Here are the 2025 TR results for the two:
BTSX – 29.53%
TSX60 (XIU) – 28.88%
If one wanted to change the BTSX strategy to beating the TSX Composite they should populate the BTSX with the 10 highest yield stocks of the TSX Composite Index (XIC).