Listen to a Business English Dialogue About Defensive securities
Nora: Hi Christian, have you ever heard about defensive securities in business and finance?
Christian: Yes, I have. Defensive securities are investments that tend to remain stable or even increase in value during times of economic downturns or market volatility.
Nora: That’s right. Defensive securities are often favored by investors seeking to protect their portfolios from market fluctuations and minimize risk.
Christian: Can you give me some examples of defensive securities?
Nora: Sure. Examples of defensive securities include bonds issued by stable governments or corporations, dividend-paying stocks in essential industries like utilities or consumer staples, and precious metals like gold.
Christian: How do defensive securities compare to other types of investments?
Nora: Unlike aggressive or growth-oriented investments, which tend to perform well during periods of economic expansion, defensive securities are designed to provide stability and preservation of capital, making them more suitable for conservative investors.
Christian: Are there any drawbacks to investing in defensive securities?
Nora: One potential drawback is that defensive securities may offer lower returns compared to more aggressive investments during bull markets or periods of economic growth.
Christian: How do investors determine which defensive securities to invest in?
Nora: Investors typically assess factors such as the stability of the issuing entity, the yield or dividend payout, and the correlation of the security’s performance to broader market trends when selecting defensive securities for their portfolios.
Christian: Thanks for explaining, Nora. I have a better understanding of defensive securities now.
Nora: No problem, Christian. I’m glad I could help. Let me know if you have any more questions about business and finance topics.