Is now an uncertain time? The truth is, there's never certainty in any market, but some markets appear to be safer than others. With the market at record highs, its valuation inflated, and the economy in flux, I would call this market uncertain.
Uncertain means just that. It could continue rolling along beautifully just as easily as it could enter correction territory. It plunged in April when U.S. President Donald Trump announced new tariffs, and at its current inflated levels, it's susceptible to pulling back if there are other economic surprises.
Bank stocks can be some of the most reliable investments in uncertain times, but not all of them make the cut. There have been several high-profile bank implosions in recent years. If you're looking for a great bank stock to hold in uncertain times, I recommend JPMorgan Chase (JPM +1.52%).
Image source: JPMorgan Chase.
Biggest is sometimes best
JPMorgan Chase is the largest U.S. bank by assets, by far, with $3.8 trillion. It has a competitive consumer business as well as a robust institutional business, and CEO Jamie Dimon has made a name for himself as a formidable leader.
It has the largest consumer banking business, with the No. 1 spot for retail deposits for the fifth straight year, and it added 400,000 new checking accounts in the third quarter alone. It added a record 43,000 first-time clients in wealth management, and assets under management increased 18% year over year in the asset and wealth management category.
NYSE: JPM
Key Data Points
As large as it is, it keeps growing. This stability is what makes it the best bank stock to own in uncertain times. Plus, it pays a dividend that yields 1.8% at the current price, which is an important feature when the market is in flux.
