International tobacco is the way to go for investors who want to keep their money safe in this volatile economy, says Charles Norton, co-portfolio manager of Vice Fund.

Track his picks at:

http://trackthepros.com/categories.php?category_id=605

“We’re focused on sectors that have the potential to do very well regardless of economic conditions,” said Norton. The international tobacco industry represents one of many sectors.

“[The tobacco sector is] internationally a great business — not at all the same type of environment that we are seeing in the U.S.,” he said.

Recommendations:

Philip Morris International

PHILIP MORRIS INTL INC PM 54.21 -0.40 -0.73% NYSE

“They have broad geographic exposure — fantastic first-rate management team, they’re buying back stock, they have a pristine balance sheet, and they have a long-term relationship with China that could amount to something very significant over the next five to seven years.”

British American Tobacco
– “We like companies that are focused globally… Especially in the emerging markets, we’re still seeing consumers trading up to these international brands.”