5 Defensive Stocks Holding Up During the Selling Pressure

Investing

Published: February 8, 2018 1:55 pm

Last Updated: January 12, 2020 3:35 am

Over the past week, we have seen serious carnage in the markets. To kick off this week, the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 1,175 points, the largest single-day point loss in the history of the index. Since then, the markets picked up on Tuesday and were relatively flat Wednesday, but Thursday has been an entirely different story.

After a couple volatile days in the middle of the week, the markets took a turn for the worse yet again. Although, as markets continue to drop this does provide for an attractive entry point. The question is how far will markets fall and what defensive stocks can provide the best cover in the meantime.

The market sell-off does not seem to be abating, and while some of these stocks may be dipping in Thursday’s session, it is worth pointing out that on the whole they are doing much better than most of the market is, considering this selling pressure.

24/7 Wall St. has picked out a handful of defensive stocks that are standing up to Thursday’s mounting selling pressure. We have included a recent trading history, as well as a consensus price target and a 52-week trading range.

American Water Works Co. Inc. (NYSE: AWK) shares were last seen down about 0.5% at $77.51, with a consensus price target of $93.85 and a 52-week range of $71.89 to $92.37.

Clorox Co. (NYSE: CLX) shares were recently up 0.8% at $128.80, with a 52-week range of $124.09 to $150.40 and a consensus price target of $140.14.

Conagra Brands Inc. (NYSE: CAG) shares were trading relatively flat at $35.84, with a consensus price target of $42.21 and a 52-week range of $32.16 to $41.68.

Duke Energy Corp. (NYSE: DUK) shares were up 1.2% at $75.27. The stock has a 52-week range of $72.93 to $91.80 and a consensus price target of $86.13.

Kimberly-Clark Corp. (NYSE: KMB) shares were relatively flat at $112.30, with a consensus price target of $121.93 and a 52-week range of $109.67 to $136.21.

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