What companies prosper in a global, economic downturn?

Question

Just wonderin'...

Answer 1

Usually banks do well but because of the low  short interest rates while the long rates do not fall as much so their margins are large. However the problems in the financial markets means they are more risky than usually now. Keep in mind that  the stock market is forward looking  so it gos up before the recovery just as it falls in advance of the downturn.

Answer 2

Brokerages and exchanges.  Trading volumes go up in troubled times, so those who profit from commisions make more money.

Answer 3

companies that hold either assets via debtors or via natural resources. Companies that deal in imaginary values or products, or human resources tend to suffer the most.

So if you own gold mines, iron mines, steel mills, and a lot of land, you can survive, because you can use people's debt as leverage for loans and interest rates always outstrip inflation. You can also use resources to rebuild civilizations.