Inflation doesn't just happen suddenly, and likewise, it won't just go away in a quarter or two. With that in mind, investors might want to shift some money into stocks that pay income in the form of dividends and will hold up through a period of inflation. 

At the same time, some businesses are more sheltered from economic downturns and more apt to successfully handle an inflationary environment. Three such businesses are Home Depot (NYSE: HD), NextEra Energy (NYSE: NEE), and high-yielder Altria (NYSE: MO). All three provide some defense for today's economy, with reliable and rising dividends going to shareholders. 

One way the Federal Reserve is trying to curb inflation is raising interest rates. Among other effects, this move apply the brakes on what has been a years-long hot housing market. That might sound like a bad setup for home improvement giant Home Depot, but it shouldn't necessarily be the case. 

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Source Fool.com