There are some companies out there that have the ability to do well during a recession, I doubt many will find it easy but a few may thrive.

McDonalds are a decent choice, picking up business from resturants and more expensive takeaways. Obviously they have reached these conclusions quicker than me, and have adapted opening hours to help target markets, marketed improved quality of their food, and added new products.

I find it very interesting that coffee gets particular attention, with McDonalds now picking up business from the specialised coffee retailers like Starbucks.

2008 figures were lower than 2007, but better than expected, and as they continue to tailor their business to take advantage during these particular times, I imagine they are looking forward to a very profitable 2009.

The current share price is almost exactly halfway between the 52 week high and low, I do not hold these or any others mentioned but will watch the price with interest, looking to get involved at some point, as it certainly looks like the McDonalds business plan looks to be spot on, and will likely change as per the economic climate.

Rhodium is a precious metal that is used mainly in the auto industry in catalytic converters, and it is primarily the bad fortune of the auto industry that has caused the massive drop in price.

As a bit of a contrarian this intrigues me, because surely this price will go back to where it was in time. As it stands currently this would be 1000% profit, a ten bagger ! In addition as its something we mine then we are almost definitely running out of it.

Now here is the hard bit, how do I invest in Rhodium ? Rhodium is often a by-product of the mining of other precious metals, it is found in ores mixed with Gold, Silver, Platinum and Palladium. There do not appear to be any specific mining companies, nor is there a specific Rhodium ETF available. A company called kitco will allow you to invest in a pool, and this seems to attract some attention.

A high percentage of Rhodium comes from South Africa, so I think I should concentrate on the mining companies based there, maybe one of the platinum miners. I will take a look at Aquarius Platinum AQP.L.