Stocks have plunged into another bear market this year after tumbling more than 20% from their recent peak. Things could get worse before they get better, which might cause some companies to run into financial issues. But while it's not clear when this bear market will end, it undoubtedly will follow the pattern of its predecessors and eventually give way to a new bull market.
Because of that, it's better to shift your focus from the current bear market to companies that have proved their ability to continue growing no matter the market condition. Three stocks that have delivered decades of steady dividend growth are Stanley Black & Decker (NYSE: SWK) , Emerson Electric (NYSE: EMR) , and Nucor (NYSE: NUE) . Here's why our contributors believe these Dividend Aristocrats are great stocks to consider buying amid the current bear market.
Reuben Gregg Brewer (Stanley Black & Decker): Most people consider things like food to be necessities, but look at Stanley Black & Decker's product portfolio, and it is filled with tools that are vital for getting things done. Good luck building a house without a saw or a hammer. Which helps to explain why the company's business has been so resilient over time. And why it is a Dividend King with 55 consecutive annual dividend increases.
For further details see:
Bear Markets Come and Go, and These 3 Dividend Aristocrats Just Keep Paying