The U.S. dollar is flexing its muscles, hitting multi-decade highs, and showing no signs of retreat. This surge is fueled by a potent cocktail of factors, including the Federal Reserve’s tightening grip on the monetary policy, a robust U.S. economy compared to its global peers, and simmering geopolitical tensions. Importantly, a mightier dollar can translate into a boom for certain stocks.
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The implications for investors are significant. While large multinationals have enjoyed a period of dominance, the strengthening dollar could introduce headwinds for their bottom lines. This is because a strong dollar makes U.S.-made exports more expensive for foreign buyers, potentially leading to a decline in sales or profit margins for the companies.
However, not all companies are subject to these implications. Some stand to benefit from a mightier dollar. These companies, by virtue of their business models, either through heavy reliance on imports or a strong domestic customer base, can ride a tailwind from a rising dollar.
In the following sections, we’ll delve into six such stocks that could potentially thrive in this environment, by offering investors a strategic edge during this pivotal shift in currency flows and valuations.
Strong Dollar Stock Picks: A Look at 6 Potential Winners
Keeping the economic backdrop in mind, let’s delve into six stocks that possess factors to perform fairly well in a strengthening dollar environment, then run them through the TipRanks Comparison Tool to discover the Wall Street Analyst consensus on these half dozen possibilities:
1. Walmart (NYSE:WMT) Retail giant Walmart is known for its low prices and global sourcing strategy. A strong dollar could help them reduce import costs and potentially boost their profit margins.
2. Dollar General (NYSE:DLTR) Similar to Walmart, Dollar General focuses on offering everyday essentials at low prices. Their reliance on imported goods could benefit from a stronger dollar, allowing them to maintain their affordability.
3. Dollar Tree (NYSE:FIVE) Another discount retailer, Dollar Tree, also sources a significant portion of its merchandise from overseas. A rising dollar could translate into lower import costs and potentially improve their bottom line.
4. Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT) While a defense contractor like Lockheed Martin might not seem like an obvious choice, it’s important to consider their international sales. A strong dollar could make their U.S.-made weapons systems more attractive to foreign buyers.
5. Alibaba (NYSE:BABA) This Chinese ecommerce giant might seem counterintuitive, but here’s the twist, a stronger dollar can make Chinese goods sold on Alibaba’s platform more affordable for international buyers, potentially increasing sales.
6. Costco (NASDAQ:COST) The big box retailer known for its bulk-buying model, sources a significant amount of its merchandise internationally. A strong dollar could lead to lower import costs, potentially benefiting profit margins and allowing Costco to offer better deals to members.
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