The tumbling oil price has certainly caught many economists, investors and market pundits off-guard. Likewise shareholders in some of Australia's leading oil and gas producers including Santos Ltd (ASX: STO), Woodside Petroleum Limited (ASX: WPL) and Beach Energy Ltd (ASX: BPT) will have been amazed at the swift declines in the price of their shares.
With the beginning of 2015 just days away, now is an opportune time for investors to consider the outlook for the market over the next 12 months. While it can certainly be considered a foolish pursuit to try and predict the direction of the market, even the investment greats such as Warren Buffett have not been completely immune from taking an overall stance at certain times during a market cycle.
While it's impossible to say for sure, it is possible that now is one of those times to reign in your risky investments and focus above all else on capital preservation.
Here are three stocks that should be solid enough to provide you with an attractive return on your capital…
Telstra Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLS) is trading on a fully franked dividend yield of 5.2%. With its diversified customer base and solid blue-chip credentials it is a dependable investment for tough times.
While the ASX Ltd (ASX:ASX) is linked to the ups and downs of the stock market, the business is also very resilient thanks to its key dominance within the equities and futures markets. With a fully franked yield of 4.9% it could be a good business to own in 2015.
Coca-Cola Amatil Ltd (ASX: CCL) has a few clouds hanging over it but its dividend would appear to be maintainable, which at 5.6% partly franked looks like a safe haven stock for riding out any market storm in 2015.
