The company in focus will be Altria Group, the first of five global stock picks for the year. Given the recent uncertainty, Altria has historically shown itself to be a robust business that can weather market crises effectively. Specifically, Altria has been a dividend stalwart over the years and is a great company for investors seeking to reduce risk through regular, consistent dividend payments.
In times of market uncertainty, fear and stress prevail. The former can be overcome through disciplined and diligent research, while the latter can be reduced in many ways.
One such way is by the consumption of alcohol and tobacco products, such as cigarettes. Though it may not be the healthiest option, many people resort to these outlets for short-term relief. Companies that manufacture these alcohol and tobacco products are always under the watchful eyes of regulators and health representatives, so these businesses are forced to make consumption healthier while preserving the freedom of individual consumption. For an investor whose sole purpose is to benefit financially, the question is whether these companies are safe enough to invest in during times of uncertainty, because over the past few market crashes, these businesses have been relatively less affected by massive sell-offs.
