Recession Proof Stocks
Low-beta stocks in defensive sectors that historically hold value and dividends through recessions. Essential businesses with inelastic demand.
50 stocks found
ADS-TEC ENERGY PLC Warrant
Acorn Energy Inc.
American Coastal Insurance Corp.
Acacia Research Corporation
General Mills, Inc.
Arch Capital Group Ltd. 5.45% Non-Cumulative Preferred Shares, Series F
Energy Transfer L.P.
Arch Capital Group Ltd. 4.55% Non-Cumulative Preferred Shares, Series G
Progressive Corporation
Pfizer Inc.
The Kraft Heinz Company
Altria Group, Inc.
Verizon Communications Inc.
Comcast Corp
BCE Inc.
Kimberly-Clark Corporation
AT&T Inc.
BP p.l.c.
Allianz SE
CME Group Inc.
Dow Inc.
PepsiCo, Inc.
Emera Incorporated
Dominion Energy, Inc.
Chevron Corporation
Exelon Corporation
Medtronic plc
Duke Energy Corporation
Restaurant Brands International Inc.
WEC Energy Group Inc.
Consolidated Edison, Inc.
Fortis Inc.
Mondelez International, Inc.
The Southern Company
Philip Morris International Inc.
The Hershey Company
Great-West Lifeco Inc.
AbbVie Inc.
EOG Resources, Inc.
Xcel Energy Inc.
American Electric Power Company, Inc.
Procter & Gamble Co
ConocoPhillips
Sempra
The Williams Companies, Inc.
Merck & Co., Inc.
Exxon Mobil Corporation
NextEra Energy, Inc.
Abbott Laboratories
Amgen Inc.
Frequently Asked Questions
What stocks are recession proof?
Recession-resistant stocks are in sectors with inelastic demand — consumption that barely changes during economic downturns. Key recession-proof sectors: utilities (electricity, water, gas that people always pay for), consumer staples (food, beverages, household products), and healthcare (medicines and hospital visits don't wait for economic recovery). These sectors have betas below 0.7 because investors rotate into them during downturns.
Did defensive stocks hold up in past recessions?
Yes. During the 2008-2009 financial crisis, the S&P 500 fell 57%. The Consumer Staples ETF (XLP) fell only 28%. Utilities (XLU) fell 36%. Healthcare (XLV) fell 32%. Defensive dividend stocks also maintained or grew their dividends during the crisis, providing income while growth portfolios were destroyed.
What is a defensive stock?
A defensive stock maintains relatively stable earnings and dividends through economic cycles. Key characteristics: low beta (< 0.8), products with inelastic demand, and predictable recurring cash flows. The classic defensive triumvirate is consumer staples, utilities, and healthcare.
Should I move entirely to defensive stocks before a recession?
Timing recessions is notoriously difficult — even professional economists fail consistently. Most advisors recommend a permanent 25-35% defensive allocation rather than trying to time market cycles. Defensive dividend stocks year-round reduce portfolio volatility without sacrificing all bull market gains.
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