The Globe and Mail reports in its Wednesday edition that 2022 was a grinder, one that relentlessly eroded the value of investor portfolios, month after month. Columnist Gordon Pape writes that it did not matter whether you held bonds or stocks or crypto, everything was hammered. However, the Toronto Stock Exchange fared better than any of the U.S. indexes primarily because of the strength of the energy sector, more specifically fossil fuel companies. Some non-oil-patch stocks bucked the downtrend and are ending 2022 with decent gains. Mr. Pape says that little-known companies can sometimes shine in tough times. Winnipeg-based Winpak is one example. It manufactures packaging and related packaging machines. The company's goods are used primarily in food, beverages and health care applications, with its modified atmosphere packaging used to extend the shelf life of perishable foods such as meats, poultry and cheeses as well as medical devices. It is a low-profile business. The shares are down from the 52-week high reached in October but are still up 13 per cent for the year. The stock also pays a small dividend. Winpak closed Tuesday at $42.09, up nine cents on the Toronto Stock Exchange.