While many companies have been hit hard by the struggling economy, a number of payday lenders and pawn shops have seen an uptick in business over the past year. Here’s AP reporter Bernard Condon’s explanation for the industry’s recent success:

In investing, it’s often better to focus on what you can safely predict, even if that safety is found in companies that thrive on hard times. One good bet: The jobless aren’t likely to find work anytime soon. And companies profiting from their bad fortune will continue to do so.