With volatility taking center stage since the beginning of the year, investing in the stock market isn't as easy as it was.
Economic signals flashing caution, headlined by a contraction in recent GDP figures and corporate warnings over tariff impacts, appear to be prompting a tactical shift among investors. As market uncertainty rises, the historically defensive consumer staples sector is drawing renewed attention, potentially signaling a broader move towards recession-resistant portfolio strategies.
Who's afraid of punitive tariffs?
The S&P 500 has bounced back somewhat after sinking nearly 19% below its previous high following President Trump's "Liberation Day" reciprocal tariffs announcement in April. However, the major index is still in negative territory for the year, along with many stocks.
Coca-Cola's stable business model offers volume growth (1-2%), price increases (4-5%), and a 3% dividend yield, making it ideal for low-risk investors. An option strategy can potentially enhance shareholder returns to double digits while limiting downside risk, making Coca-Cola a compelling investment. The company's 62-year streak of dividend increases and historical pricing strategy highlight its resilience and ability to adapt to market changes.
It's a stock that every investor knows, but that not enough consider as a core, long-term investment. Coca-Cola (KO 0.53%), the beverage titan, has a habit of outperforming its industry thanks to entrenched competitive advantages like brand strength, marketing prowess, and an unparalleled global distribution system.
When volatility is dominating the stock market, there's nothing like holding a portfolio of stocks that deposit cash into your account every quarter. Many top consumer brands pay regular dividends from their earnings, and some of the best ones have increased their dividends every year for decades.
Berkshire Hathaway may never pay a dividend, but that hasn't stopped Warren Buffett from buying some great dividend stocks for Berkshire's massive, nearly $277 billion equities portfolio. Buffett has always been a fan of companies that buy back stock and pay dividends because the shareholders get capital every year, without having to worry as much about the stock price.
Warren Buffett has long held Coca-Cola (KO 0.53%) stock, first buying it back in 1988. It is currently his company's fourth-largest holding, representing more than 9% of Berkshire Hathaway's stock portfolio at the end of 2024.
It should be no surprise to many long-term investors that billionaire investors continue to focus on finding value in today's volatile and uncertain environment.
The recommendations of Wall Street analysts are often relied on by investors when deciding whether to buy, sell, or hold a stock. Media reports about these brokerage-firm-employed (or sell-side) analysts changing their ratings often affect a stock's price.
One of Warren Buffett's core investment tenets is to buy high-quality companies that possess economic moats. Having durable competitive strengths helps a business defend itself against existing rivals and new entrants to the industry.