For most investors, the new year brings with it new opportunity. With all three major U.S. stock indexes falling into a bear market last year, investors are hopeful that history will follow course, once again, and eventually send the broader market higher.

However, the 2022 bear market wasn't as painful for the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJINDICES: ^DJI) as the other major indexes. When it crossed the finish line, the Dow Jones ended 2022 lower by just 9%, which compares quite favorably to the 33% drop registered by the Nasdaq Composite. This outperformance is likely the result of the Dow's 30 components being predominantly profitable and time-tested. During periods of uncertainty, it can be a smart move to own stakes in "boring" businesses.

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Source Fool.com