What business thrived during the Great Depression?
Communications. Print and radio boomed during the depression. Nowadays, streaming and teleconferencing.
Not everyone, however, lost money during the worst economic downturn in American history. Business titans such as William Boeing and Walter Chrysler actually grew their fortunes during the Great Depression.
Coca-Cola , Archer-Daniels and Deere should like this history lesson. Even poor students of history know it never exactly repeats itself, but we all have been scratching the past for clues to guide us though the current harrowing times.
Even though stocks cratered in the 1929 crash, government bonds were safe havens for investors. A position in bonds probably wouldn't have shielded you completely from stock-market losses, but it certainly would have softened the blow. 2. Keep cash in reserve.
Toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, toilet paper, and other grooming and personal care items are always in demand. Offering these types of items can position your business as a vital resource for consumers during tough times. People want to look good, even when times are tough.
1. Food and Beverage Business. The food and beverage industry is one of the most recession proof industries due to the fact that everyone still needs food and drinks to live. It is not a luxury that can be put aside during difficult times, so businesses in this sector can continue to do well even during a recession.
Things such as non-perishable foods will be the most valuable. During the Great Depression, alcohol was in prime demand with people distilling rum and gin themselves. As a commodity, alcohol can also have medicinal and hygienic purposes.
Unsurprisingly, most of these high-return Great Depression stocks were part of industries (defence, energy, technology, materials) helping America in its Second World War efforts.
- Build a 12- to 24-month emergency fund. ...
- Minimize high-interest debt. ...
- Prepare to borrow money. ...
- Keep your credit accounts active. ...
- If you have low-interest mortgage debt, stay put. ...
- Buy in bulk if you can afford to.
Healthcare, food, consumer staples, and basic transportation are examples of relatively inelastic industries that can perform well in recessions. They may also benefit from being considered essential industries during a public health emergency like the COVID-19 pandemic.
What should you invest in during a recession?
During a recession, dividends are especially important because they give you a cushion even if the stock price falls. Also, stocks like Merck and AbbVie, with reliable, high payouts, provide good competition for the bonds to which many investors flee in tough times. Merck's yield tops that of a 10-year Treasury.
Examples of recession-proof assets include gold, US Treasury bonds, and cash, while examples of recession-proof industries are alcohol and utilities. The term is a relative one since an extended recession can cause a dent in returns even for the most recession-proof assets or businesses.

Unsurprisingly, most of these high-return Great Depression stocks were part of industries (defence, energy, technology, materials) helping America in its Second World War efforts.
Things such as non-perishable foods will be the most valuable. During the Great Depression, alcohol was in prime demand with people distilling rum and gin themselves. As a commodity, alcohol can also have medicinal and hygienic purposes.
- Wine. When inflation rises and purchasing power decreases, many investors turn to real assets for an inflation hedge. ...
- Real estate. ...
- Energy. ...
- Bonds. ...
- Financial Companies. ...
- Commodities. ...
- Healthcare. ...
- Consumer staples.
Banks failed, millions of citizens suddenly had no savings. Factories locked their gates, shops were shuttered forever, and most remaining businesses struggled to survive. Local governments faced great difficulty with collecting taxes to keep services going.