Defensive stocks
Defensive stocks are those that don’t tend to depend heavily on what’s going on in the wider economy for their growth.
Defensive stocks are companies that don't tend to depend heavily on what's going on in the wider economy for their growth (cf cyclical stocks). They are usually found in industries whose products are needed, come rain or shine, such as food retailers or water companies. Products such as tobacco or alcohol that are based on habit (or addiction) also tend to see fairly stable demand, and the companies that make them are seen as defensive as well.
A balanced portfolio should contain a mixture of cyclical and defensive stocks which can be altered as the economic climate changes.
See Tim Bennett's video tutorial: What are defensive stocks?
Subscribe to MoneyWeek
Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE
Sign up to Money Morning
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
-
Rightmove: Asking prices edge closer to record peak
Asking prices have been driven up by the top-end of the market, Rightmove has found. But how does the situation look in your area?
By Vaishali Varu Published
-
Coventry Building Society bids £780m for Co-operative Bank - what could it mean for customers?
Coventry Building Society has put in an offer of £780 million to buy Co-operative Bank. When will the potential deal happen and what could it mean for customers?
By Vaishali Varu Published