Sector Strength: Utilities, REITs, Consumer Staples, and More

Because utility companies typically operate as monopolies and provide essential services, they are not very cyclical. They typically survive economic downturns, since electricity and water are not the first things you cut in a crisis. While they usually give out consistent dividends, the tradeoff is limited dividend growth. They are a very safe investment option, allowing you to rely on their cash flow.

Consolidated Edison, a gas and electricity company in the NY area, and Atmos Energy, a natural gas supplier, are both dividend aristocrats. While no investment is 100% safe, these are about as reliable as it gets.

Source: ConEdison