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The market landscape for March 2025 has been tumultuous, largely influenced by the economic repercussions of the Trump tariffs. As concerns surrounding consumer sentiment intensified and recession fears took hold, it is noteworthy to examine how certain resilient companies have weathered the storm. This brings us to two standout performers within the Dow Jones Industrial Average (^DJI 0.96%), exploring their potential as viable investment options today.
1. UnitedHealth Group (increased by 10.3% in March)
UnitedHealth Group (UNH -1.16%) has demonstrated remarkable resilience throughout recent market fluctuations. Traditionally viewed as recession-resistant, the healthcare sector, especially health insurance, tends to remain impervious to economic downturns due to its essential nature.
This characteristic has led to a surge of investor interest in UnitedHealth during March, a trend that persisted amid the subsequent volatility. Despite no significant company-specific developments arising that month, the stock began to rebound following a dip triggered by the tragic assassination of one of its leaders in December 2024.
Moreover, in April, UnitedHealth emerged as a notable success story, registering a 15% increase, buoyed by a 5.06% rise in Medicare Advantage benchmarks. The company’s reputation for stability during uncertain market times has further solidified its standing as a reliable option for investors.
2. Chevron (up 5.5% in March)
Certainly, Chevron (CVX 1.19%) may come as an unexpected entry on this list, considering the energy sector’s historical susceptibility to economic cycles. Nevertheless, Chevron’s recent performance can be attributed to a strategic pivot towards the burgeoning data center market, as detailed by Reuters, where the company aims to both construct and supply electricity for these facilities.
In an era marked by escalating demand for data centers driven by advancements in artificial intelligence, such a move positions Chevron advantageously within a competitive field. However, despite its progressive strides, the stock faced a downward trajectory in April following the announcement of tariffs, highlighting its continued vulnerability to shifts in the global economy and fluctuations in oil prices.
Source
www.fool.com