Look, I get it. The market right now feels like that friend who says they’re “fine” but clearly isn’t. The S&P 500 is flirting with 7,000 while gold just smashed through $5,000 per ounce for the first time ever. Translation? Everyone’s simultaneously optimistic and terrified.
It’s like the investing equivalent of wearing a helmet to a pool party – you want to have fun, but you’re also not stupid.
So here’s the deal: instead of trying to time the market (spoiler alert: you can’t), let’s talk about six companies that historically don’t fall apart when things get weird. Think of them as the reliable friends of your portfolio.
The “We Actually Make Things People Need” Squad
Howmet Aerospace (HWM) – These folks make the parts that keep planes in the sky, which is generally considered important. They’ve grown 703% over five years, which is either impressive or makes you wonder why you didn’t buy it earlier. Probably both.
TransDigm Group (TDG) – Another aerospace play, but with 51 different business units. It’s like a Swiss Army knife, but for airplane parts. Sure, it’s had some bumps lately, but when you’re the only game in town for 90% of your products, you tend to bounce back.
The “Shiny Things and Black Gold” Duo
Newmont Corp (NEM) – The world’s biggest gold digger (in the best way). With gold prices going bonkers, NEM stock is up 198% this year. Yes, it could crash if gold does, but right now it’s the portfolio equivalent of a security blanket.
Exxon Mobil (XOM) and Chevron (CVX) – The oil giants that everyone loves to hate but secretly needs. They’re printing cash faster than the Fed (okay, maybe not that fast), and they’re actually returning it to shareholders instead of buying more corporate jets.
The “Your Data Needs a Bodyguard” Pick
CrowdStrike (CRWD) – Remember when they accidentally broke the internet in 2024? Well, they fixed it, and apparently everyone still wants their cybersecurity services. Funny how that works. The stock has doubled since its post-crash low, proving that in tech, redemption arcs are very much a thing.
The Bottom Line
These aren’t get-rich-quick schemes – they’re the investing equivalent of wearing your seatbelt. Aerospace, energy, gold, and cybersecurity tend to hold up when everything else is having an existential crisis.
Will they all work out? Who knows. But they’re run by people who understand that making money consistently is better than making headlines. In 2026, that might just be the most radical investment strategy of all.
Remember: This isn’t financial advice, it’s financial commentary from someone who thinks the market is basically a very expensive casino with better snacks.