Can Buffett Bets Like Coke, Food Brands Recession-Proof Your Portfolio?

10 snips

Apr 27, 2025

Markus Hansen, a portfolio manager and senior research analyst at Vontobel Asset Management, joins to explore the potential of household food and beverage brands like Coca-Cola in uncertain economic times. He discusses Warren Buffett's investment strategies and their relevance today. The conversation delves into international investments and the performance of the technology and luxury sectors amidst market volatility. Expect insights on recession-proof investment strategies and a light-hearted look at chocolate brands.

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INSIGHT

Consumer Staples Offer Stability

Economic uncertainty increases the importance of consumer staples like Coca-Cola and Walmart as recession-proof stocks.
These companies' global scale and long history give credibility to their guidance and resilience.

ADVICE

Choose Predictable, Dividend Stocks

Look for companies with a predictable earnings track record, solid moats, and sustainable growth.
Consider dividend-paying multinationals like Coca-Cola and Mondelez for reliable income during uncertainty.

INSIGHT

Local Production Shields Tariff Risk

Local production by international companies can shield them from tariff shocks.
Companies like Lindt produce within key markets, making their operations more resilient to global trade disruptions.

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On WSJ’s Take On the Week, co-hosts Gunjan Banerji and Telis Demos start the show by discussing the divergence between consumer sentiment and hard economic data, and whether we’ll see any sign of market softening in the forthcoming jobs and GDP reports. Then, all that glitters IS gold. The co-hosts talk about gold’s recent all-time highs. They also dig into whether the Magnificent Seven trade may be on the downswing.

Later on the show, Markus Hansen, portfolio manager and senior research analyst of Vontobel Asset Management, joins the podcast to talk about whether the current moment of economic uncertainty is the time for household food and beverage brands, like Coca-Cola and Mondelez, the company behind Oreo, to shine. They also talk about Warren Buffett’s legendary investment philosophy and his company Berkshire Hathaway’s stake in Coca-Cola. They also dive into diversifying into international investments, and how the technology and luxury sectors are faring.

This is WSJ’s Take On the Week where co-hosts Gunjan Banerji, lead writer for Live Markets, and Telis Demos, Heard on the Street’s banking and money columnist, cut through the noise and dive into markets, the economy and finance—the big trades, key players and business news ahead.

Have an idea for a future guest or episode? How can we better help you take on the week? We’d love to hear from you. Email the show at takeontheweek@wsj.com.

To watch the video version of this episode, visit our WSJ Podcasts YouTube channel or the video page of WSJ.com