
Stock market investment can provide a great source of short- or long-term income. Market conditions, however, have a significant effect on an investor’s success. But even in a slow economy investors can earn money on their investments. A key consideration involves knowing the types of stocks available and how each affects earning potential. Whether in a bull or bear market, stable stocks provide some unique characteristics for investors.
Stock Dividend Revenue
Stable stock prices do not provide the potential for significant profit that you can achieve with high-earning speculative stock investments. Stable stocks, however, also reduce risk to a minimum and provide a steady stream of dividend income - if the stock pays a dividend. This steady, reliable income from quarterly dividends offer significant money-making potential to the long-term investor. With stable stocks, investors rarely need to worry about the pitfalls that come with riskier investments. These stocks are a particularly advantageous option in an economic recession, when attractive growth stocks tend to be difficult to find.
Limited Growth
Because stock prices are tied to stock performance, stable prices also mean stable dividends. You should not expect 10 to 20 percent return on investment from most stable stocks, and you are unlikely to see stock split over a short period of time. Instead, you might need to settle for 4 to 8 percent return. This provides a sound income source, but it does not make it likely for you to gain substantial wealth over the short term.
Stability in an Unstable Market
In a recessionary market, finding stocks with price stability puts you in a safe position. You still have some potential for growth, but you do not run the risk of losing vast amounts of your investment. Stable stocks can allow you to protect your investment and give you the potential to make more money in the future. This kind of protection can be highly beneficial for investors who do not have the time to watch the market closely to conduct speculative stock trading.
Bottom Line
Stocks with stable pricing do not offer the chance to earn high rates of profit in short periods of time, but they do provide money-making opportunities for investors who seek steady income and gradual investment growth over the longer term. Any portfolio should include some stable stock investments, and it pays to move a greater percentage of stock investments in stable companies during a recessionary period.
References
- CNN Money: Ultimate Guide to Retirement
- Stable Value Investment Association. "What Is Stable Value? What Are the Objectives of Stable Value?" Accessed July 13, 2020.
- Stable Value Investment Association. "Investment Contract." Accessed July 13, 2020.
- FINRA. "401(k) Loans, Hardship Withdrawals and Other Important Considerations." Accessed July 13, 2020.
Writer Bio
Based in Central Florida, Ron White has worked as professional journalist since 2001. He specializes in sports and business. White started his career as a sportswriter and later worked as associate editor for Maintenance Sales News and as the assistant editor for "The Observer," a daily newspaper based in New Smyrna Beach, Fla. White has written more than 2,000 news and sports stories for newspapers and websites. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from Eastern Illinois University.