Image source: Getty Images “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” The famous American-English proverb seems applicable to companies navigating the ongoing global pandemic. You wouldn’t want to invest in mediocre assets that would wither under harsh market conditions. Current shareholders of Royal Bank of Canada(TSX:RY)(NYSE:RY) are sticking to Canada’s largest bank, because the institution is a tough nut to crack. The $160.39 billion bank has been around since 1864 and has seen the best and worst of times. Yet in the aftermath of every downturn or recession, RBC stands tall. The banking giant’s resiliency is on full display again in 2021. Despite the COVID-19’s impact and massive industry headwinds, the blue-chip stock is up by an impressive 9% year to date. It could be your time to buy, because the rally is just starting.