A "sure thing" never exists in investing, so it would be wise to steer clear of anyone advising you as such.
However, there is no doubt proper research can reduce the risk — or probability — of underperformance or even losses.
I think there are three ASX stocks that are stable businesses with reasonably certain demand for their products and services.
Plus the majority of professional investors seem to be bullish from this point on.
They are as close to "no brainer" buys right now before they soar in a bull market:
Old favourite could become a new favourite
CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) shares made many Australians wealthy for decades, but the last few years have been disappointing.
The stock price is still 12.8% lower than its pre-COVID peak in February 2020.
And throughout that time experts have predicted a resurgence, as more Americans return as plasma donors with pandemic fears wearing off.
After two years of disappointment, the long-awaited share price revival could finally be happening.
CSL shares have rocketed more than 27% since 30 October.
Professional investors are now slobbering over the biotechnology giant, with 13 out of 15 analysts currently surveyed on CMC Invest rating CSL as a buy.
The ASX stock cashing in on the energy crisis
In contrast, the MMA Offshore Ltd (ASX: MRM) share price has more than doubled over the past 12 months.
Despite this, Canaccord, Euroz Hartleys, Moelis Australia, PAC Partners, and Shaw & Partners all currently recommend the ASX stock as a strong buy, a CMC Invest survey shows.
The situation is that much of the world is scrambling for energy security after wars broke out in Ukraine and the Middle East.
This has shot up demand for energy producers in other jurisdictions, meaning more work on offshore oil and gas rigs.
And those companies are the clients that MMA Offshore provides marine services to.
With renewable energy infrastructure not ready to dominate for years yet, MMA is expected to see its work increase even further in the coming years.
The mining flavoured investment that isn't cyclical
Commodity prices and mining activity often reflects the state of the economy.
And with western economies deliberately slowed to fight inflation and China combating deflation, it is not outrageous to suggest the world is at the low part of the cycle.
That's why adding a mining technology provider RPMGlobal Holdings Ltd (ASX: RUL) might not be a bad move before a bull market begins.
As economies get going again, demand for resources will head up, and so will commodity prices and mining.
Unlike its cyclical clients, RPMGlobal is a growth stock. The past five years has delivered an impressive 215% return for investors.
According to CMC Invest, both Moelis Australia and Veritas Securities rate the ASX stock as a strong buy.