This has been an unusual year in the stock market. Inflation in the U.S. and around the world has been high for over a year, and the Federal Reserve is responding by aggressively raising interest rates in an effort to get it back down to more normal levels.

But rapidly rising interest rates tend to be bad for equities, and the S&P 500 index recorded its worst first half since 1970. Traders have particularly punished growth stocks that previously sported sky-high valuations, but shares of plenty of rock-solid businesses have also fallen.

One stellar business down 33% from the start of the year is Walker & Dunlop (NYSE: WD), the multifamily real estate lender. If you've got cash on the sidelines you want to put to work in stocks, Walker & Dunlop is one of the smartest buys you can make. Here's why.

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Source Fool.com