economy

January 8, 2026

CLSA recommends these 8 global defensive stocks, as 2026 kicks off in uncertain territory

In its "Global Themes Redux" report released on Monday, investment bank CLSA named its top defensive and countercyclical plays.

CLSA recommends these 8 global defensive stocks, as 2026 kicks off in uncertain territory

TL;DR

  • 2025 was marked by geopolitical uncertainty, tariffs, and conflict impacting global markets.
  • CLSA expects "resilience and rotation" in 2026, favoring defensive stocks and countercyclical plays.
  • The AI rally may see debate on potential exhaustion, leading investors to explore markets like Indonesia and India.
  • Investors rotated out of U.S. equities and into emerging markets, Europe, gold, and silver in 2025.
  • The consumer sector is seen as a defensive shelter amid macroeconomic uncertainty.
  • Key consumer picks include Nestle Malaysia Berhad, MR D.I.Y. Group, Nongfu Spring, Wuliangye, and LVMH.
  • The baijiu sector in China is tipped for a potential rebound.
  • Sports and outdoor apparel companies like Anta Sports, Bosideng, and Yue Yuen are also noted.

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