There have few, if any, safe bets during the stock market mayhem this year. But that's not going to stop investors from trying to find stocks that will – in theory, at least – stand up to a terrible recession. Douglas McIntyre, writing on the 24/7 Wall Street blog, has several ideas.

He noted that Exxon Mobil Corp. might not earn $11-billion (U.S.) every quarter now that the price of crude oil is declining sharply. But it will stay profitable, it comes with a 2.5 per cent yield and its balance sheet is pristine.

Procter [amp]amp; Gamble Co. makes its money producing soap, detergent and razor blades – none of which are going out of style anytime soon.

Microsoft Corp. is trading close to a five-year low. But its yield is now 2.5 per cent and, as Mr. McIntyre said, “has more cash than the British government.”

Finally, he pointed out the virtues of Wal-Mart Stores Inc. in today's environment: “Wal-Mart is where the poor will go shopping. That means everyone in about six months.”