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Recession worries are again. When the economic system slows, traders usually rush towards security. That doesn’t imply hiding in money perpetually. It means in search of companies that promote important providers, low-cost merchandise, or must-have info. These three all match that display in numerous methods. None can dodge a market sell-off fully, however every has a enterprise mannequin that might maintain up higher if customers and firms begin pulling again.

CU

Canadian Utilities (TSX:CU) proves that individuals nonetheless want energy and pure gasoline in a recession. The corporate owns regulated utility property tied to electrical energy, pure gasoline, and power infrastructure. That provides it a steadier earnings base than many cyclical shares. Prospects could delay a brand new automobile or trip, however they nonetheless warmth properties and hold the lights on.

The newest outcomes confirmed that regular profile. Canadian Utilities reported first-quarter adjusted earnings of $242 million, or $0.89 per share, up from $232 million, or $0.85 per share, final yr. That wasn’t a blowout, certain, however recession-resistant shares don’t want fireworks. They want consistency.

The dividend provides to the attraction. Canadian Utilities pays $0.46 per share every quarter, or about $1.85 yearly. It has raised its dividend for greater than 5 a long time, which makes it one in every of Canada’s most dependable dividend growers. The danger is that utilities can wrestle when rates of interest keep excessive. Giant tasks additionally want cautious execution. Nonetheless, for defensive earnings, Canadian Utilities appears constructed for rougher climate.

DOL

Dollarama (TSX:DOL) could possibly be the obvious recession inventory on the TSX, and for good motive. When customers really feel squeezed, they seek for worth. Dollarama inventory offers them low costs on meals, family items, get together provides, seasonal gadgets, and on a regular basis fundamentals. That makes the corporate helpful in each good and dangerous economies, however particularly when budgets tighten.

The enterprise continues to develop. Dollarama inventory’s fourth-quarter fiscal 2026 gross sales climbed 11.7% to $2.1 billion. Comparable gross sales in Canada rose 1.5%, even after robust development a yr earlier. The corporate additionally raised its quarterly dividend, although the yield stays small.

The true attraction just isn’t earnings, however resilience and development. Dollarama inventory retains opening shops in Canada whereas increasing by means of Dollarcity in Latin America and The Reject Store in Australia. That provides it extra methods to develop if Canadian customers decelerate. The danger is valuation. Traders already know Dollarama inventory is a high-quality enterprise, so the inventory usually trades at a premium. A recession might assist gross sales, however a dear inventory can nonetheless pull again.

TRI

Thomson Reuters (TSX:TRI) presents a distinct defensive angle. It sells info, software program, and workflow instruments to authorized, tax, accounting, and company prospects. These will not be impulse purchases. Attorneys, accountants, and firms nonetheless want trusted information and analysis instruments when situations get tougher.

That makes Thomson Reuters well timed now. Within the first quarter of 2026, income elevated 10% to US$2.1 billion, whereas natural income rose 8%. Its Massive 3 segments of authorized, corporates, and tax and accounting delivered 9% natural development and made up 85% of complete income. That’s a powerful combine as a result of recurring income helps stability.

Thomson Reuters additionally has a synthetic intelligence (AI) angle that feels extra sensible than speculative. Its authorized {and professional} instruments might help prospects save time, which issues much more when firms reduce prices. The danger is valuation and execution. AI merchandise should hold proving their value, and excessive expectations can punish even good firms.

Backside line

If the recession will get worse, traders don’t must panic-buy the very best yield or the most cost effective inventory. They’ll search for sturdy demand. Canadian Utilities presents important providers and dividend reliability. Dollarama inventory presents worth when households commerce down. Thomson Reuters presents mission-critical instruments for professionals. And all three supply a contact of earnings even with a $7,000 funding.

Collectively, they present 3 ways to remain invested with out betting on an ideal economic system. That blend might matter if headlines worsen and traders begin paying extra for reliable earnings once more quickly.