1. The stock market has experienced significant volatility in 2025, leading to fears of a crash. However, the S&P 500 has rebounded and reached a record high, leaving investors uncertain about whether to invest now. The index is trading at over 25 times earnings, with U.S. stocks representing 65% of global stocks.
2. Motley Fool CEO Tom Gardner advises investors to look for lesser-known, defensive, and value stocks for long-term growth. Dividend stocks, defensive stocks, and value stocks are recommended for steady returns during uncertain times.
3. Three stocks to consider include Enterprise Products Partners, a safe energy dividend stock yielding 6.9%, Brookfield Infrastructure, a defensive dividend growth stock, and Nucor, a cyclical stock with a strong track record of dividends.
4. Investors are advised to research before investing in Enterprise Products Partners, as it was not included in the Motley Fool’s top 10 stock picks. The top 10 stocks identified by the analyst team have historically produced significant returns compared to the S&P 500.

Read more at Nasdaq.: Motley Fool CEO Recommends Dividend & Value Plays for a Defensive Stance Today