Admittedly there are plenty of reasons to be concerned about the outlook for global markets and the domestic economy, however, with the local index only up 9% over the past five years, investors could be excused for wondering if things aren't already dire!
From here, the market could crash, or it may not – no one really knows. What we can be reasonably sure of though is that ten years from now the market will be significantly higher than it is today.
If you're long-term bullish on the market then there is no reason to be overly concerned about the near term-fluctuations. Buying quality stocks like the following six should provide protection against capital loss, while also offering long-term growth potential.
Woolworths Limited (ASX: WOW) – offers exposure to long-term inflation-linked growth, plus population growth while also having a defensive earnings base.
Transurban Group (ASX: TCL) – owns assets which have limited competition, this allows it to earn a reliable return and pay a growing distribution stream to shareholders.
Primary Health Care Limited (ASX: PRY) – offers exposure to the tailwind of an ageing population. As a large provider of general health services it also has a defensive earnings base.
APA Group (ASX: APA) – is Australia's largest owner of pipeline infrastructure spanning all mainland states and territories in Australia. APA offers exposure not just to Australia's domestic energy needs but also its energy exports.
Stockland Corporation Ltd (ASX: SGP) – offers shareholders a diverse mix of property assets spanning shopping centres, offices, residential communities and retirement villages. An investment in Stockland provides shareholders with defensive earnings backed by hard assets.
Newcrest Mining Limited (ASX: NCM) – the $7.6 billion gold miner is a low-cost producer of the precious metal. The miner is well positioned to benefit from long-term demand for gold which is likely to grow, while short-term volatility can also be a positive for the gold price and Newcrest.
