10 Best Defensive Stocks to Buy in a Volatile Market

8. American Electric Power Company, Inc. (NASDAQ:AEP)

Beta as of July 8: 0.41

Dividend Yield as of July 8: 3.59%

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 55

American Electric Power Company Inc. (NASDAQ:AEP) is one of the 10 best defensive stocks to buy in a volatile market. On June 17, the company named a new general counsel and technology chief, expected to support its long-term strategy.

Rob Berntsen will become executive vice president and general counsel, effective July 14. Berntsen joins American Electric Power Company from Xcel, where he served as executive vice president and chief legal and compliance officer.

On the other hand, Johannes Eckert takes over as the executive vice president and chief information and technology officer, effective July 21. Eckert joins the company, having served as senior vice president and chief information officer at Cox Communications.

The appointment comes as American Electric Power Company Inc. (NASDAQ:AEP) operates the nation’s largest electric transmission system, serving 5.6 million customers. As one of the best defensive stocks, the company generates, transmits, and distributes electricity. It also produces power using various sources, including coal, lignite, natural gas, wind, solar, nuclear, and hydroelectric sources.