2024 is off to a slow start for the stock market. After a strong rally at the end of last year, the S&P 500 hasn't budged so far this year. But it's keeping its gains as investors eagerly anticipate the latest updates from public companies and the newest economic data.

When investors are unsure about the market, there's always one kind of stock they know they can count on: dividend stocks. They provide passive income no matter the state of the market, and they're usually established, reliable companies that are resilient under pressure.

If you have $1,000 that you don't need for paying down bills or other immediate expenses, beefing up your long-term investment portfolio with some excellent dividend stocks, no matter what happens to the economy this year, would be the best thing to do. Consider investing in Ally Financial (NYSE: ALLY) and American Express (NYSE: AXP) in equal parts. 

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Source Fool.com