At the close of 2025, a major topic among financial analysts was whether the current surge in artificial intelligence (AI) constituted a bubble.
Although this discussion has faded from public attention, the uncertainty remains. We might not know if a bubble exists until it bursts or if AI’s expansion continues steadily for a few more years.
Regardless, it’s wise to prepare for potential shifts. The recent AI surge shares notable similarities with the dot-com bubble of the early 2000s.
If you’re seeking ways to safeguard your investments from possible downturns, consider these two industrial stocks.
The Unsung Heroes of Industry
Some of the best stocks are often the ones that go unnoticed, which I like to refer to as “boring but essential.”
While their offerings may not be particularly thrilling, they are vital to our modern world and significantly shape our daily lives.
One prime example is 3M (MMM 0.70%), renowned for its wide range of products, from household items like Command Strips and duct tape to industrial and safety equipment. You’ve likely used 3M products at some point without even realizing it. Although 3M might lack the excitement of the current top AI stocks, its products remain consistently in demand.
Resilience and Growth
3M isn’t a stock for those seeking explosive growth, but rather for those looking for stability and reliable returns. After hitting a low in February 2024, the stock surged 96%, returning to its long-standing price range of $120-$200.
In 2025, 3M reported a 1.5% revenue increase to $24.9 billion, breaking a streak of declines from 2022 to 2024. The adjusted operating margin also improved by 200 basis points, reaching 23.4%. Though the earnings per share (EPS) fell by 10% overall for the year, Q4 showed promise with a 9% rise in adjusted EPS.
Rising Opportunities in Uranium
Another stock to consider as protection against a market bubble is Cameco (CCJ +2.21%), the world’s second-largest uranium miner.
Cameco is responsible for 15% of the global uranium supply in 2025. Its McArthur River/Key Lake mine is recognized as the largest high-grade uranium operation, with sufficient reserves projected to last until 2044.
Despite global tensions, uranium has seen a price increase over the past year, especially as interest in nuclear energy grows. Cameco recently secured a $1.9 billion deal to supply India with uranium, reflecting the rising demand for cleaner energy sources.
