Because even the strongest, most financially sound companies can get battered in a broad market selloff such as the one brought on by the coronavirus pandemic, retirees and investors nearing retirement should focus on high-quality, dividend-paying stocks for their portfolios.
Retirees can't always count on business growth and capital appreciation to provide enough to cover their expenses, but a portfolio of income-generating stocks can help them to maintain their standard of living and get them through the rough spots.
And while many companies pay dividends -- including the large majority of those in the S&P 500 -- seeking out those with a history of stable, growing payouts can provide retirees or those planning for it with the peace of mind they desire. These two stocks fit that description nicely.