But recession isn’t hard on everyone. Some industries actually thrive in this environment and savvy investors will find these opportunities.
Retail sales may have fallen but discount retailers may do better in a recessionary environment. In good times, consumers tend to spend their money on more luxury goods but when recession comes there is a distinct shift in their spending habits towards shop’s own brands, value ranges and so called ‘inferior goods’. This means discount retailers who tend to sell cheaper items and food retailers with own brand products, like Tesco, will find themselves performing better than others during a recession.
In the last recession, people stopped living healthy and instead started bingeing on alcohol, cigarettes and comfort food to forget their worries. British American Tobacco and Imperial Tobacco are two ways you could play this sector.
When everything else is falling, business as usual is the most attractive option. Whilst not being big movers, pharmaceuticals, healthcare and utility companies often remain stable. As long as we are alive we will always need these things. Our favourites in these industries include Astrazeneca, Novartis and United Utilities which all provide healthy yields.
When recession comes around you can buy, sell or wait it out. We believe that with good asset allocation and proper timing you can defend your portfolio whilst you wait for the inevitable recovery to follow.
Martin Auger, Associate | Reyker Securities plc
