The utilities sector doubles up as a fallback option for investors during recessions and economic downturns because of its reputation for rewarding shareholders with dividends. Likewise, they fall out of favor during times of economic growth, with growth stocks driving the markets. Utility sector stocks are defensive in nature and are very slightly affected, if at all, by market volatility. Even during the 2008 global economic crisis, they had held their own. Utility stocks are examples of such defensive in ...