Here are five U.S. stocks worth considering during this turbulent period, based on their resilience, growth potential, or discounted valuations:
Microsoft (MSFT)
Why Buy: Microsoft’s dominance in cloud computing (Azure) and AI integration across its ecosystem makes it a tech titan with staying power. Despite market jitters, its fundamentals are rock-solid—double-digit earnings growth is expected in 2025 (Bankrate). It’s a defensive growth stock, less exposed to tariff fallout than hardware-focused tech peers.
Context: Forbes flagged MSFT as a top pick in February 2025 for its diversified revenue streams. Even with tech under pressure, its enterprise focus cushions it from consumer spending dips.
Risk: High valuations (P/E often exceeds 30) could mean further downside if sentiment worsens, but its stability outweighs that risk in a freefall.
Walmart (WMT)
Why Buy: As a consumer defensive stock, Walmart thrives in downturns. People still need groceries, and its low-cost model gains traction when wallets tighten. Analysts from Oppenheimer (Investopedia, March 3) see it holding steady despite tariff-driven inflation, thanks to its scale and supply chain muscle.
Context: Retailers like Target warned of profit hits from tariffs, but Walmart’s conservative guidance and market share make it a safer bet. It’s up modestly year-to-date while others falter.
Risk: Margin pressure from rising import costs, though its pricing power mitigates this.
3.Costco Wholesale (COST)
Why Buy: Another defensive play, Costco’s membership model ensures steady cash flow, even in recessions. Forbes (February 24) praised its 29 planned warehouse openings for 2025 and e-commerce growth. It’s less tariff-sensitive than discretionary retailers, focusing on essentials.
Context: Unlike Best Buy, which tanked 13% on tariff fears (AP News), Costco’s fundamentals shine. It’s a consistent performer with dividend appeal.
Risk: Premium valuation (P/E near 50) could compress, but its resilience holds up.
4.JPMorgan Chase (JPM)
Why Buy: As a leading bank, JPMorgan offers stability and a juicy 3%+ dividend yield (Morningstar, March 11). Financials often dip in downturns but recover fast, and JPM’s diversified operations—retail banking, investment banking, asset management—provide a buffer. It’s trading at a P/E below 12, a bargain compared to tech’s nosebleed valuations.
Context: banks like JPM holding up better than tech amid tariff panic. Its exposure to consumer debt is manageable, and rising interest rates (if sustained) boost net interest margins.
Risk: Recession could spike loan defaults, but JPM’s balance sheet is fortress-like.
5.Ford Motor Company (F)
Why Contrarian: Autos are getting crushed by tariff fears—Ford’s down 15% YTD (Motley Fool, March 4)—as investors fret over higher costs for imported parts. But Ford’s a domestic titan, with 80%+ of sales from North America (company data). Its EV pivot (F-150 Lightning) and $2 billion cost cuts in 2024 signal agility. At a P/E of 6 and a 5% dividend yield, it’s dirt cheap while the market fixates on Tesla’s woes.
Rebound Case: Tariffs could boost U.S. manufacturing, and Ford’s less exposed than importers. X posts note its hybrid sales spiking as EV hype cools—contrarians see a sleeper hit.
Risk: Consumer debt (U.S. Bank) could dent auto demand, but Ford’s value cushions the fall.
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