Three quality stocks to beat market volatility

The developed world's continuing sovereign-debt issues have left investors very averse to risk, and led to extreme volatility in global stock markets. But good-quality companies with decent dividends and healthy balance sheets are still attractive buys, says professional investor James Gardner. Here, he picks three solid stocks to buy now.

Each week, a professional investor tells MoneyWeek where they'd put their money now. This week: James Gardner, fund manager, Signature (part of Rowan Dartington & Co).

Much of the loss of investor confidence in recent weeks can be attributed to the impotence of politicians, both in the eurozone and the United States. A lack of decisiveness in tackling sovereign-debt issues has resulted in extreme risk-aversion. This has manifested itself in exceptional volatility for global equity markets. Prices for safe havens, such as core' government bonds and gold, have made a succession of record highs. This flight to safety has also seen record amounts move into money-market funds.

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