Stocks fell again last week, making it six straight weeks of fallout. Everything is slipping from its highs between stocks, bonds and the latest victim, crypto. With this in mind, if you wish to find the best stocks to buy in a bear market, there are several factors to consider first.

For one thing, the Federal Reserve is committing to using all the tools necessary to bring down the price of goods. Although the pace of inflation is slowing, prices are still on the rise.

The latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) reading shows prices rose another 0.3% in April. Furthermore, as the fed works to get inflation under control, Chairman Jerome Powell is warning there could be more pain ahead.

Several analysts are cutting their economic predictions as a result. For example, Former Goldman Sachs CEO Lloyd Blankfein suggests a recession may be in the works. On CBS’s “Face the Nation,” he mentions “there’s a path” to a recession, and taming inflation will be tricky. If you wish to protect your portfolio this year, keep reading to find the best stocks to buy in a bear market and how they can still earn you a profit.

List of the best stocks to buy in a bear market.

What Are the Best Stocks to Buy in a Bear Market?

The first thing to consider is not all bear markets are the same. They can appear out of nowhere, often caused by a black swan event such as the pandemic.

At the same time, bear markets are a natural part of investing. In a way, they can help correct valuations, allowing investors to build long-term wealth. For example, the S&P 500 (SPX) P/E ratio is around 20, down from 38 in December. Yet the value is still higher compared to its historical average of 15.

However, they can also be detrimental if you are not prepared. There are a few things to look for to find good stocks to invest in during a recession, such as…

  • Dividends
  • Sales Growth
  • Free Cash Flow

On top of this, how the stock performs relative to its peer can help you identify leaders. If a stock is trading above its 200D SMA while its peers are slipping, it’s generally a sign of strength and momentum. To get your portfolio ready for what’s next, check out the best stocks to buy in a bear market.

No. 4 Consumer Defensive

When inflation is high, it makes goods more expensive, reducing consumers’ purchasing power. Although this is true, people still need their essentials. With this in mind, the consumer defensive sector consists of companies that make essential goods such as household essentials, tobacco and food.

Kroger (NYSE: KR)

Kroger is one of the largest food retailers in the U.S., with close to $138 billion in sales in 2021. Despite growing inflation and wage pressure, the grocer continues growing at an impressive rate. Lastly, with many locations having pharmacies and fuel centers, Kroger’s margins shouldn’t see too much pressure as food and wage prices continue climbing.

Boston Beer Co. (NYSE: SAM)

Sticking with the theme of industry leaders, Boston Beer is a top brewing company in the U.S. with brands such as Sam Adams, Twisted Tea and Truly. Although the brewer saw sales decline in the first quarter, its positioning itself for future growth with younger-generation favorites such as Truly hard Selzer.

Companies in the consumer defensive sector are some of the best stocks to buy in a bear market. However, as employees seek higher wages to offset inflation, we could see some short-term pressure. With this in mind, both companies are fundamentally solid while positioned for future growth.

No. 3 Healthcare Stocks

Healthcare is an investor’s favorite industry when the economy is slowing. For one thing, healthcare is an industry with stable demand. To explain, consumers have healthcare plans, and people will still get sick. Not to mention patients still need to take their medication.

One of the last things people will cut out of their budget is healthcare. As a result, the industry sees relatively stable earnings. That said, the Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE: XLV) is down 6% YTD compared to the SPDR S&P 500 ETF (NYSE: SPY), down 15%.

CVS Health (NYSE: CVS)

During the pandemic, CVS transformed its business to meet the changing industry needs. By providing affordable, convenient, and personal care, CVS is seeing the results pay off. In Q1, health care benefits, pharmacy sales, retail, and store visits rose significantly as a result. Even more, the company is raising guidance for 2022.

Mckesson (NYSE: MCK)

As the largest pharmaceutical distributor in the U.S., Mckesson plays a critical role in healthcare. Although exiting international markets may slow growth in the short term, an aging U.S. population and more access to healthcare should promote higher sales.

Both CVS and Mckesson have strong free cash flow, pay dividends, and are trading above their 200D SMA.

No. 2 Materials and Miners

Materials and mining companies are some of the best stocks to buy in a bear market with tangible value. Mining companies extract resources such as metals, selling them to be made into goods. Other materials firms can include chemicals, packaging and agricultural goods.

Mosaic (NYSE: MOS)

One of the largest fertilizer nutrient producers looking to fill the supply gap left by the war in Ukraine. Furthermore, a tight agriculture market is driving prices higher, resulting in over 300% operating earnings growth. Lastly, crop prices are likely to remain elevated this year with growing sanctions and lack of supply.

Alcoa Corp. (NYSE: AA)

The world’s largest bauxite miner plays a vital role in the aluminum market. Bauxite is used to produce alumina, then used to make aluminum. With demand for aluminum expected to remain elevated (especially as automakers pick up again), Alcoa rewards shareholders with a new dividend and increased buyback program.

Another key thing to consider is the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act intended to rebuild and replace America’s roads, bridges, etc. Many of these projects will require significant resources such as steel, iron, and other construction materials. With this in mind, the bill states these materials must be domestic.

No. 1 Best Stock to Buy in a Bear Market: Energy Stocks

This year, energy stocks are outperforming the market, and it’s not even close. The Select SPDR Trust Energy ETF (NYSE: XLE) is up 48% so far in 2022. Yet the sector doesn’t look to be slowing anytime soon.

Devon Energy (NYSE: DVN)

The number one performing stock in the S&P 500 last year looks to continue its reign. With oil prices over $114 a barrel, Devon Energy is seeing profits soar as operating cash flow rose another 14% in Q1 to $1.8 billion. With this in mind, the company is returning profits to investors through a record $1.27 dividend (nearly 8% yield) and a massive $2 billion share buyback.

Chevron (NYSE: CVX)

The second-largest oil company in the U.S. (behind Exxon) is ramping spending to boost production. After several smart partnerships and acquisitions, Chevron is investing in growth. So far, the strategy is paying off as the company becomes more efficient and profitable. Lastly, Chevron’s focus on a lower carbon future with renewable energy investments will likely prove to be a smart bet in the long run.

As many nations look to phase out Russian oil, other companies are stepping up to increase production and fill the supply gap. The economy is largely dependent on oil and gas to continue running smoothly. People will still need gas and oil to power their homes, get to and from work, etc.

Given these points, energy stocks are on the top of my list of best stocks to buy in a bear market. Even though energy is outperforming this year, they have more room to run. To explain, energy makes up only about 4.5% of the S&P 500, even after running up this year. However, it’s still relatively low compared to its historical average of around 10%.