3 Stocks to Buy and Hold Even if There's a Stock Market Sell-Off in the Second Half of 2026
Written by Micah Zimmerman for The Motley Fool -> Pawn lending, funeral services, and water utilities generate demand regardless of economic conditions. EZCORP, Carriage Services, and York Water are t
Written by Micah Zimmerman for The Motley Fool -> Pawn lending, funeral services, and water utilities generate demand regardless of economic condition
Read Full Story at Nasdaq News →Why This Matters
The concept of recession-resistant stocks often feels like a paradox in volatile markets, yet the businesses highlighted here prove that necessity can outlast even the most severe economic downturns. Their resilience isn't just theoretical—it's embedded in the services they provide, which remain essential regardless of broader market sentiment or policy shifts.
Background Context
Pawn lending has historically thrived during periods of tight credit, as consumers turn to short-term liquidity solutions when traditional financing dries up. Meanwhile, funeral services represent a non-discretionary expense with demographic tailwinds, while water utilities benefit from structural underinvestment in aging infrastructure. These industries have weathered recessions, inflation spikes, and policy changes with remarkable consistency.
What Happens Next
Investors may soon see whether these stocks' defensive characteristics hold up under renewed market pressure, particularly if a mid-2026 correction materializes. Key metrics to monitor include same-store sales growth for EZCORP, acquisition activity at Carriage Services, and regulatory approvals for York Water's infrastructure projects. The timing of any sell-off could also reveal whether these stocks are truly anti-cyclical or merely late-cycle laggards.
Bigger Picture
This trio of stocks reflects a broader shift toward investing in 'boring' infrastructure and essential services as a hedge against systemic risk. Their performance may signal whether the market is prioritizing stability over growth—a trend that could reshape portfolio strategies in the coming years. It also underscores how demographic and regulatory forces can create durable demand even in the face of economic uncertainty.
