Although we're barely one month into 2026, we've already seen significant uncertainty in global markets. We've witnessed whipsawing precious metal prices, with gold and silver having one of their most volatile months in history over January. We've seen market reactions thanks to the seemingly now-abandoned ambitions of the United States to take control of Greenland. As well as huge swings in sentiment following the revelation of the new Chair of the US Federal Reserve, Kevin Warsh.
And it's only early February.
With all that's been going on in global markets recently, many ASX investors are probably craving stability in their ASX share portfolios. One of the best ways investors can insulate their portfolios from this uncertainty is by buying defensive stocks.
Defensive stocks are usually defined as companies that exhibit relatively high stability in their revenues, earnings, and profits. Most operate in defensive sectors like consumer staples, industrials, utilities, and telecommunications. Demand for goods and services in these sectors tends to be less affected by prevailing economic conditions than in other sectors.
Today, let's discuss a few ASX defensive stocks that I think can benefit any investor seeking stability and predictability in 2026 and beyond.
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Three defensive ASX stocks to buy in an uncertain world
First up, we have Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS). This ASX telco is a favourite of dividend investors, and for good reason. It has a strong track record of delivering reliable dividend income, thanks to its defensive earnings base. Telstra possesses a wide moat that's built on both a strong brand and a reputation for offering the best mobile network in the country. Using this moat, this defensive stock has proven that it can both protect and grow its earnings base in all manner of economic conditions.
Next, Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL) is worth consideration as a defensive ASX stock. Coles has an extensive network of supermarket stores and bottle shops around Australia. We all need to eat and stock our households on a regular basis. As long as Coles provides one of the cheapest and most convenient avenues to do so, it should do well. Coles also has a strong dividend track record, which I believe proves its defensive chops. This company has increased its annual dividends every year since 2019.
Another defensive stock that nervous investors might wish to look at is toll road operator Transurban Group (ASX: TCL). Transurban operates the largest network of tolled roads in the country, with a particularly strong presence in Sydney and Melbourne. Managing these vital pieces of infrastructure gives this company a highly predictable stream of cash flow. In most cases, it is indexed to inflation, too. This has benefited Transurban investors in recent years through stable dividends. If you are worried about the health of the global economy in 2026, this is a final stock I would be looking at adding to a portfolio.
