Consumer staples, utilities, healthcare, etc. are considered as defensive sectors since people need them regardless of the state of the economy. Hence allocating a portion of one’s portfolio to these sectors is always a good idea.During volatile market conditions these stocks not only offer some stability to a portfolio but also offer growth with decent dividend yields and slow and steady growth.

Five defensive sector stocks for review are listed below:

1.Company: NextEra Energy Inc (NEE)
Current Dividend Yield: 3.34%
Sector: Electric Utilities

2.Company: ConAgra Foods Inc (CAG)
Current Dividend Yield: 3.25%
Sector: Food Processing

3.Company: Molson Coors Brewing Co (TAP)
Current Dividend Yield: 3.00%
Sector: Beverages (Alcoholic)

4.Company:Colgate-Palmolive Co (CL)
Current Dividend Yield: 2.32%
Sector: Personal & Household Prods.

5.Company:Kellogg Co (K)
Current Dividend Yield: 3.09%
Sector: Food Processing

Note: Dividend yields noted are as of Jan 11, 2013

Disclosure: Long NEE