Robert Kiyosaki sees a brutal depression ahead: 3 stocks that may protect portfolios

Robert Kiyosaki’s warning that the world faces what he called the “greatest depression in world history” does not seem to be a Wall Street consensus forecast.

Yet, the Rich Dad Poor Dad author and a long-time advocate of hard assets, has repeatedly warned that a deep economic downturn could erode wealth and destabilise financial markets.

The practical question is which businesses could remain relevant if growth weakens, inflation stays high or markets become more volatile.

These stocks offer different kinds of resilience, although none is depression-proof.

Newmont turns Kiyosaki’s gold thesis into a stock

Newmont is the selection most closely aligned with Kiyosaki’s preference for precious metals. The miner offers leveraged exposure to gold while also producing copper, silver, zinc and lead.

That leverage can amplify gains when gold rises, but it also brings costs and execution risks. Production setbacks, wage inflation, energy expenses, political disruption or weaker prices can undermine returns.

Newmont entered the second half with strong cash generation.

The company reported record second-quarter free cash flow of $2.2 billion after producing about 1.3 million attributable gold ounces. It remained on track to meet its full-year 2026 guidance.

TD Cowen analyst Steven Green upgraded Newmont from Hold to Buy on July 14 and set a $127 target.

Investing.com reported that Green viewed the valuation after the stock’s pullback as a “compelling entry point”.

Walmart stock gains when shoppers trade down

Walmart offers a different defence: scale, low prices and heavy exposure to essentials.

A severe downturn would weaken discretionary demand, but households would still need groceries, medicines and everyday goods.

The retailer could also attract wealthier consumers trading down from costlier competitors.

Walmart’s latest quarter showed US comparable sales rising 4.6% excluding fuel, while global ecommerce revenue grew 26%. It reported market-share gains supported by value and convenience.

Advertising, delivery, membership and marketplace services are expanding profit sources beyond traditional retail margins, where dependable grocery sales typically carry thinner returns.

DA Davidson analyst Michael Baker maintained a Buy rating and $150 target after the results.

Baker believes that Walmart’s prolonged outperformance drivers remained visible, including market-share gains and higher-margin businesses.

RBC Capital retained an Outperform rating while lowering its target to $137. The firm argued that Walmart’s decision not to pass every higher cost to customers could support further share gains.

The main concern is valuation. Walmart trades at a premium to many retailers, leaving its shares vulnerable if sales slow or freight, fuel and wages squeeze margins.

Johnson & Johnson offers essential healthcare demand

Johnson & Johnson provides the healthcare anchor.

Demand for cancer medicines, immunology treatments and medical procedures is generally less tied to consumer confidence than spending on travel, electronics or luxury goods.

The company reported second-quarter sales of $25.3 billion, up 6.6%, and adjusted earnings of $2.90 a share.

It raised its full-year outlook to about $101.1 billion in sales and adjusted earnings near $11.68 at the midpoint.

RBC Capital analyst Shagun Singh maintained an Outperform rating and $287 target.

Benzinga reported that Singh said the pharmaceutical portfolio demonstrated the “durability of JNJ’s growth engine”, with strength outside Stelara improving visibility beyond 2026.

Guggenheim analyst Vamil Divan also reiterated a Buy rating and $270 target on July 17.

The potential risks include patent expiries, clinical setbacks, legal liabilities and weaker MedTech execution.