Robert Kiyosaki, author of Rich Dad Poor Dad and a longtime advocate of hard assets, has issued a stark warning: the world may be heading into what he calls the “greatest depression in world history.” While this view is far from the Wall Street consensus, it raises a practical question for investors: which businesses could hold up if growth stalls, inflation persists, or markets become more volatile?
Kiyosaki’s outlook is not a forecast shared by most economists, but it does highlight the value of positioning portfolios for downside risk. The three stocks below offer different forms of resilience, though none is immune to a severe downturn.
Newmont: Gold Exposure with Leverage
Newmont Corporation (NYSE: NEM) aligns most directly with Kiyosaki’s preference for precious metals. As one of the world’s largest gold miners, Newmont provides leveraged exposure to gold prices, while also producing copper, silver, zinc, and lead. That leverage can amplify gains when gold rises, but it also introduces risks: production setbacks, wage inflation, energy costs, political disruptions, or weaker metals prices can all weigh on returns.
The company entered the second half of the year with strong momentum. Newmont reported a record $2.2 billion in free cash flow for the second quarter, driven by approximately 1.3 million attributable ounces of gold production. It remains on track to meet its full-year 2026 guidance. TD Cowen analyst Steven Green upgraded the stock from Hold to Buy on July 14, setting a $127 price target. According to Investing.com, Green described the valuation after a pullback as a “compelling entry point.”
Walmart: Defensive Scale in Consumer Staples
Walmart (NYSE: WMT) offers a different kind of defense: massive scale, low prices, and heavy exposure to essential goods. In a severe downturn, discretionary spending would likely contract, but households would still need groceries, medicines, and everyday items. Walmart could also attract higher-income shoppers trading down from more expensive retailers.
In its latest quarter, Walmart reported U.S. comparable sales growth of 4.6% (excluding fuel), while global e-commerce revenue rose 26%. The company cited market-share gains supported by value and convenience. Beyond traditional retail, Walmart is expanding higher-margin revenue streams from advertising, delivery, membership, and marketplace services. DA Davidson analyst Michael Baker maintained a Buy rating and $150 target, noting that the drivers of Walmart’s prolonged outperformance—market-share gains and higher-margin businesses—remain visible. RBC Capital retained an Outperform rating while lowering its target to $137, arguing that Walmart’s decision not to pass every cost increase to customers could support further share gains.
The main risk is valuation. Walmart trades at a premium to many retailers, leaving its shares vulnerable if sales slow or if freight, fuel, and wage costs squeeze margins.
Johnson & Johnson: Healthcare Demand That Endures
Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) provides a healthcare anchor. Demand for cancer medicines, immunology treatments, and medical procedures is generally less tied to consumer confidence than spending on travel, electronics, or luxury goods. In the second quarter, J&J reported sales of $25.3 billion, up 6.6%, and adjusted earnings of $2.90 per share. The company raised its full-year outlook to approximately $101.1 billion in sales and adjusted earnings near $11.68 at the midpoint.
RBC Capital analyst Shagun Singh maintained an Outperform rating and $287 target. Benzinga reported that Singh said the pharmaceutical portfolio demonstrated the “durability of JNJ’s growth engine,” with strength outside Stelara improving visibility beyond 2026. Guggenheim analyst Vamil Divan also reiterated a Buy rating and $270 target on July 17. Risks include patent expiries, clinical setbacks, legal liabilities, and weaker MedTech execution.
For investors seeking portfolio protection against a potential downturn, these three stocks offer different forms of resilience—gold leverage, consumer staples scale, and essential healthcare demand. None is depression-proof, but each may help cushion the blow if Kiyosaki’s grim scenario materializes. As always, diversification and a long-term perspective remain key.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
