Portfolio Manager Chris Blumas of Raymond James Investment Counsel provides an outlook on North American large-cap stocks, highlighting Alphabet, Brookfield Infrastructure Partners, and Mainstreet Equity as top picks. The article discusses the impact of President Trump’s 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act' on U.S. government spending and inflation, noting that despite increased defense and security spending, inflation remains muted. Blumas emphasizes the importance of diversification, defensive positioning, and investing in companies with strong free cash flow, investment-grade balance sheets, and self-sufficiency in financing. He notes that while Google faces antitrust and AI competition risks, its dominant position in online advertising and growing cloud services provide long-term value. Brookfield Infrastructure Partners is praised for its diversified infrastructure portfolio and strong dividend yield, while Mainstreet Equity is highlighted for its focus on mid-market apartment buildings in Western Canada and its ability to grow through densification.

The S&P/TSX Composite index rose 2.7% for the week ending Friday, reaching a 14.1% increase for 2025. Its Relative Strength Index (RSI) of 63 indicates it is near the overbought level of 70, suggesting technical caution. Among index constituents, Canadian Tire Corp. Ltd., Algoma Steel Group Inc., Russel Metals Inc., Brookfield Infrastructure Partners, and Superior Plus Corp. are identified as the most oversold, while 27 stocks are considered overbought, including Saputo Inc., Maple Leaf Foods Inc., Power Corp of Canada, Colliers International Group Inc., and Celestica Inc. Additionally, 21 TSX companies have reached new 52-week highs, led by Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd., Wheaton Precious Metals Corp., National Bank of Canada, Barrick Mining Corp., and Power Corp of Canada. Pembina Pipeline Corp. and Labrador Iron Ore Royalty Co. are noted as having hit new 52-week lows.

SkyQuest Technology Group has published a comprehensive market study on the global solar farm industry, projecting steady growth from USD 47.67 billion in 2024 to USD 131.28 billion by 2032, with a CAGR of 13.5% over the 2025–2032 period. The report highlights key drivers such as government incentives including feed-in tariffs and investment tax credits, which lower cost barriers and promote utility-scale solar development. The market is segmented by type (ground-mounted, floating, rooftop), technology (PV and CSP), capacity (below 10 MW, 10–100 MW, above 100 MW), end-user (utilities, commercial/industrial, residential), and region (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East & Africa). North America leads due to strong policy support and declining solar costs, while Europe, particularly Germany, Spain, and France, is advancing through ambitious climate goals and green energy policies. Key players include First Solar, NextEra Energy, Canadian Solar, JinkoSolar, SunPower, and others. Recent developments include Sembcorp Industries' 588 MW solar plant in Oman (launched Jan 2025), EDP Renewables' 44 MWp project in Fukushima, Japan (Q3 2025 go-live), and Q ENERGY's 52 MWp Cabrovales 1 solar farm in Spain (planned 2025). The market is expected to continue growing through technological innovation, expanded global access, and rising demand, contributing to economic and environmental progress.

The article highlights five dividend-paying stocks—Brookfield Renewable, Realty Income, Johnson & Johnson, PepsiCo, and Chevron—as strong long-term investments due to their consistent dividend growth, robust financial profiles, and stable cash flows. Each company is praised for its history of increasing dividends, strong balance sheets, and growth drivers such as renewable energy projects, real estate expansion, strategic acquisitions, and operational improvements. The article emphasizes that these stocks are part of the 'Dividend Kings' group, defined by 50+ years of consecutive dividend increases, and are well-positioned to deliver attractive total returns over the next five years.

The article recommends five dividend-paying stocks—Brookfield Renewable, Realty Income, Johnson & Johnson, PepsiCo, and Chevron—as strong long-term investments due to their consistent dividend growth, robust financial profiles, and stable cash flows. Each company is highlighted for its history of increasing dividends, solid balance sheets, and growth drivers such as renewable energy development, real estate expansion, strategic acquisitions, and operational improvements. The article emphasizes that these stocks have delivered above-average total returns over time and are well-positioned to maintain or grow dividends over the next five years.