{
  "id": 17413875,
  "title": "If a Bear Market Is Coming, History Says These Stocks Could Be the Smartest to Own",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/31/if-a-bear-market-is-coming-history-says-these-stocks-could-be-the",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-10-31T14:15:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Motley Fool",
    "slug": "motley-fool",
    "url": "https://www.fool.com/investing/2026/10/31/if-a-bear-market-is-coming-history-says-these-stoc/?source=iedfolrf0000001"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Bear markets are inevitable in the stock market, but there are certain stocks that can provide stability and income during these periods. Johnson & Johnson, Medtronic, Coca-Cola, and Procter & Gamble are among the companies that have shown resilience in economically robust industries and have a long history of paying dividends. Johnson & Johnson, a major player in pharmaceuticals and medical devices, offers a Dividend King status with over 50 consecutive annual increases to shareholders. Medtronic, while not yet a Dividend King, provides a larger 3% yield and has recently introduced innovative products like its Hugo surgical robot, which is expected to spur growth. Consumer staples such as Coca-Cola and Procter & Gamble are also attractive options, as they sell essential products that people will continue to purchase even in a bear market. Both companies have Dividend King status and have shown impressive growth, with Coca-Cola managing a 6% increase in organic sales in the second quarter of 2026. Procter & Gamble's focus on innovation and offering products with real benefits to consumers further strengthens its appeal as a safe-haven investment ahead of a potential bear market.",
  "summary": "Consumers don't stop buying vital products during bear markets, which is why healthcare and consumer staples stocks are smart investments.",
  "key_points": [
    "Johnson & Johnson has 50 consecutive dividend increases",
    "Medtronic offers 3% yield and innovative Hugo robot",
    "Coca-Cola and Procter & Gamble are Dividend Kings with essential products"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": "https://urgent.news/ill/17413875.png",
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Nasdaq Markets",
        "title": "If a Bear Market Is Coming, History Says This 1 Investing Move Can Build Life-Changing Wealth",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/31/if-a-bear-market-is-coming-history-says-this-1-investing-move-can-17407789",
        "published": "2026-10-31T12:35:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}