Air Canada Stock: Where Will it Be at the End of 2021?
The Motley Fool
Published Jun 09, 2021 09:15
Updated Jun 09, 2021 09:45
Air Canada Stock: Where Will it Be at the End of 2021?
Air Canada (TSX:AC) stock surged an impressive 6.3% on Tuesday on news that the federal government plans to ease restrictions for fully-vaccinated travellers.
With the nation winding down from its third (and worst) wave of COVID-19, the announcement of such lifting of restrictions shouldn’t have been such a surprise. As the airlines prepare to meet pent-up demand in what could be a historic peak summer travel season, the second half of 2021 has the potential to be very kind to Air Canada, an airline that’s trailed many of its domestically focused peers south of the border.
But with the growing threat of the “delta” variant of concern, could Air Canada really lift off into the stratosphere by year’s end with the threat of a potential fourth wave?
Air Canada stock: The race against vaccines and variants remains too close to call I think investors need to fasten their seatbelts for some more turbulence. As the vaccine rollout accelerates, the odds of a fourth major wave of lockdowns may appear to be slimming. That said, there’s always a chance an undiscovered mutated variant could send us right back into lockdown.
Sure, more jabs in arms and boosters on the way are good news for the riskiest of reopening plays like Air Canada. But, on the flip side, uncontrollable outbreaks in various other parts of the world could pave the way for new variants of concern that could render the current slate of vaccines less effective, perhaps far less effective, such that restrictions may have to be put back into place in the latter part of the year.
It may be too soon to call a winner in the race between vaccines and variants right now. Regardless, longer-term investors planning to hang on for many years should embrace the uncertainty in Air Canada stock by looking to dollar-cost average into a full position over time to better tame the rampant volatility in the name.
What’s the bigger risk with Air Canada stock? Getting in too early or too late? Fellow Fool contributor Daniel Da Costa recently warned investors that getting in too early could lead to substantial losses over the near term, but getting in too late could lead Air Canada stock investors to miss their flight: “So, you want to buy it as close to its recovery as possible. If you buy too early, it could continue to lose value, and you’re at risk of more waves of coronavirus, causing another bear market and postponing its full recovery. However, if you wait and buy too late, the stock could rally, and you could miss the recovery potential altogether.”
Like with any equity investment, there’s downside and upside risk.
For young, venturesome investors who are no strangers to volatility, though, I think the risk of missing out could outweigh the risk of near- to intermediate-term losses. That’s why I’m a huge advocate of nibbling your way into a position, with larger nibbles after a substantial plunge in the stock.
Get The App
If Air Canada stumbles again, I suspect Ottawa will be there — once again — to lend its helping hand. After much scrutiny, Air Canada’s top executives handed back their bonuses, which, I believe puts the company back in the government’s good book.
Bottom line After a 6% single-day pop, investors may wish to temper their buying activity and wait for the next significant pullback before adding to their positions.
There’s been no shortage of bear market moments for Air Canada stock. Stay patient and be ready to pounce, as there are still many negative surprises that could spark the next bout of turbulence. As for lifting off into the stratosphere by year’s end, I think it’s unlikely. It could take two to three years for Air Canada stock to skyrocket by to its pre-pandemic highs. If you’ve got the horizon and the stomach, you have my blessing to nibble, but please be ready to average down your cost basis!
The post Air Canada Stock: Where Will it Be at the End of 2021? appeared first on The Motley Fool Canada.
Fool contributor Joey Frenette and The Motley Fool have no position in any of the stocks mentioned.
This Article Was First Published on The Motley Fool
Written By: The Motley Fool
Trading in financial instruments and/or cryptocurrencies involves high risks including the risk of losing some, or all, of your investment amount, and may not be suitable for all investors. Prices of cryptocurrencies are extremely volatile and may be affected by external factors such as financial, regulatory or political events. Trading on margin increases the financial risks.
Before deciding to trade in financial instrument or cryptocurrencies you should be fully informed of the risks and costs associated with trading the financial markets, carefully consider your investment objectives, level of experience, and risk appetite, and seek professional advice where needed.
Fusion Media would like to remind you that the data contained in this website is not necessarily real-time nor accurate. The data and prices on the website are not necessarily provided by any market or exchange, but may be provided by market makers, and so prices may not be accurate and may differ from the actual price at any given market, meaning prices are indicative and not appropriate for trading purposes. Fusion Media and any provider of the data contained in this website will not accept liability for any loss or damage as a result of your trading, or your reliance on the information contained within this website.
It is prohibited to use, store, reproduce, display, modify, transmit or distribute the data contained in this website without the explicit prior written permission of Fusion Media and/or the data provider. All intellectual property rights are reserved by the providers and/or the exchange providing the data contained in this website.
Fusion Media may be compensated by the advertisers that appear on the website, based on your interaction with the advertisements or advertisers.