Mon Dec 29 15:20:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and a rewritten news article based on the provided text:

Summary:

The article argues that Walmart is a reliable stock to hold, especially during economic downturns. While no stock is completely recession-proof, Walmart tends to outperform the market during recessions due to its focus on low prices for everyday necessities. It highlights Walmart’s historical performance during past recessions, showing that it has generally weathered economic storms better than the S&P 500. Despite this, the article also includes a disclaimer that past performance doesn’t guarantee future results and points to an alternate list of potentially better stock options.

News Article:

Walmart: A Safe Haven in Economic Storms?

NEW YORK – As economic uncertainty looms, investors are once again looking to Walmart (WMT) as a potential safe harbor. The retail giant has historically outperformed the market during recessions, thanks to its core strategy of providing low prices on essential goods.

While no stock is entirely immune to economic downturns, Walmart’s business model is uniquely positioned to thrive when consumers tighten their belts. During times of higher inflation or recession, shoppers flock to Walmart in search of discounts they can’t find elsewhere, maintaining consistent sales even when other retailers struggle. Its significant physical presence across the US, particularly in rural areas, gives it an advantage over e-commerce giants like Amazon, who are heavily reliant on internet accessibility.

A look at Walmart’s performance during past economic crises supports this thesis:

  • Dot-com Bubble (2001): Walmart’s stock rose approximately 14%, while the S&P 500 declined by 8%.
  • Great Recession (2007-2009): Walmart increased by 8%, contrasting sharply with the S&P 500’s 36% plunge.
  • COVID-19 Crash (2020): Walmart experienced a minimal decline of less than 1%, significantly outperforming the S&P 500’s 20% drop.

Past performance is not indicative of future results. The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team has identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now and Walmart wasn’t one of them.

Despite the potential benefits, investors should carefully consider their own financial circumstances and risk tolerance before making any investment decisions. Walmart is a long-term anchor for your investments.

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