The twin worries of high inflation and surging interest rates have cast a pall on the economic outlook. Investors are worried that businesses may start reporting lower revenue and profits as consumer sentiment takes a hit. During such troubled times, blue-chip stocks provide a haven that investors can rely on. Their long track record, coupled with a strong reputation and experience in dealing with good and bad times, allow them to sail through challenging times to emerge stronger. What’s more, most blue-chip stocks also pay out a dividend, thus providing investors with a useful stream of passive income to tide through the storm. Here are four reliable blue-chip names sporting dividend yields of 5.5% or higher.

OCBC Ltd (SGX: O39)

OCBC Ltd is Singapore’s second-largest bank by market capitalisation. The lender reported a strong set of earnings for the first nine months of 2023 (9M 2023). Total income for 9M 2023 climbed 24% year on year to S$10.2 billion...