With this in mind, investors might want to look at Nike (NYSE: NKE) as a surefire stock to buy. A completely different macroeconomic backdrop, characterized by higher inflation and interest rates, makes it extremely attractive to own safer, competitively advantaged businesses that generate real profits and cash flows. With interest rates kept low and loose monetary policy the norm over much of the past decade, businesses that were burning through cash still saw their stock prices rise, as borrowing capital was easier.