Where Investors Can Find Some Comfort

J. Michael Martin, who manages $250 million at Financial Advantage, finds comfort in fat dividends. Martin believes the recession will last longer than many people think and stock gains will be hard to come by. But he figures dividends will hold up for Dow Chemical (DOW), which boasts a strong balance sheet and has been slashing costs aggressively. At a recent price of 18, its dividend is 8.5%.