# 5 stocks to weather market uncertainty

> A financial expert picks resilient companies that thrive in any economic climate.
- Title: 5 stocks to weather market uncertainty · Yahoo Finance
- Summary: A financial expert picks resilient companies that thrive in any economic climate. Defensive stocks in healthcare, consumer staples, and payments offer…
- Keywords: stock market, investing, defensive stocks, johnson & johnson, vertex pharmaceuticals, costco, coca-cola, american express, market uncertainty, dividend stocks, portfolio strategy, business
- Source: Yahoo Finance — https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/top-5-favorite-stocks-uncertain-113001747.html
- Published: 2026-09-16T11:30:01+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: stock market, investing, defensive stocks, johnson & johnson, vertex pharmaceuticals, costco, coca-cola, american express, market uncertainty, dividend stocks, portfolio strategy, business
## Markets near record highs, caution rising
The S&P 500 has climbed for three straight years, but high valuations and concerns about AI spending and inflation are making investors nervous.
## Why defensive stocks matter now
Resilient companies that sell essentials or provide critical services stay stable during downturns and still grow when times are good.
## Johnson & Johnson leads pharma
The healthcare giant has 28 products generating over $1 billion annually and is on track to hit $100 billion in sales this year. It's a Dividend King with 50+ years of consecutive dividend increases.
## Vertex dominates cystic fibrosis
Vertex leads the CF treatment market with intellectual property protection through the late 2030s and generated $12 billion in revenue last year. New approvals in pain and gene editing offer growth potential.
## Costco thrives on membership model
Costco offers cheap essentials and maintains a 90%+ renewal rate in the U.S. and Canada. The company makes most profit from membership fees, providing revenue visibility.
## Coca-Cola adapts to market shifts
The beverage giant offers water, juices, and coffee alongside its iconic drinks, with strong brand power that holds up during tough times. It's a Dividend King with $14 billion in free cash flow.
## American Express targets affluent customers
Amex's wealthy cardholders are less sensitive to economic downturns, providing earnings stability. Sixty-five percent of new consumer accounts in the latest quarter came from Millennials and Gen Z.

> We continued to attract a large number of new customers, particularly Millennials and Gen-Zs who represent greater lifetime value.
## Dividend growth sweetens the deal
All five stocks offer dividend income, with Johnson & Johnson and Coca-Cola as Dividend Kings. American Express also provides dividend growth for long-term investors.
## Build resilience into your portfolio
These five companies provide stability during market downturns while still delivering growth when conditions improve, making them ideal for uncertain times.
## Key takeaway

Defensive stocks in healthcare, consumer staples, and payments offer stability when markets get shaky.