Blue-chip bank stock Visa Inc (NYSE:V) hit a March 21, all-time high of $290.96 on March 21, but has lost 7.5% over the last three months.

Visa's stock (NYSE: V) has given near zero returns YTD, as compared to the 12% rise in the S&P500 over the same period. Notably, Visa's peer Mastercard (NYSE: MA) is up 5% YTD.

Defensive stocks are clearly on everyone's mind after markets fell dramatically at the start of August. Investors worldwide moved into risk-off mode, fearing that the U.S. economy was about to hit a snag.

As whispers of interest rate cuts circulate, the investment world is brimming with promise. While global markets have been on the edge, history tells us that the Federal Reserve typically saves emergency rate cuts for full-blown crises, like the 2008 meltdown or the COVID-19 shock.

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Please replace the release dated Aug. 12, 2024 with the following corrected version due to updated data. The updated release reads: VISA DATA SHOWS BOOST IN TOURISM IN FRANCE AS THE OLYMPIC GAMES PARIS 2024 COMES TO A CLOSE 42% more tourists traveled to Paris in the first week of the Olympic Games, with US Visa cardholders representing the largest share of visitors (72%, year-on-year increase) Significant increase in travelers to other cities hosting Olympic Game.

Alongside the grant program, Visa relaunches Visa SavingsEdge® with new features to offer greater value for small businesses Alongside the grant program, Visa relaunches Visa SavingsEdge® with new features to offer greater value for small businesses

Blue-chip stocks are commanding attention from investors looking for stability and reliability amidst a fluctuating market. Typically, these stock market stalwarts are known for their solid financials, long histories of profitability and consistent records of dividend payments.

The world is shrouded in numerous uncertainties. S&P's macro outlook for the next 12 months is pessimistic, pointing to worsening trends in 4 out of 7 risk categories. Whether you are risk-averse or a risk-taker, you would do well to have a portion of your portfolio invested in companies that can let you sleep-well-at-night. I recommend a balanced approach to investing, including holding cash and investing in hard-to-go-bust companies with strong credit ratings, cash flows, and growth.

The Investment Committee give you their top stocks to watch for the second half.

Visa and innovation platform Plug and Play are accepting applications for the second cohort of the Visa Inclusive Fintech Accelerator, which aims to accelerate the growth of FinTech startups led by diverse founders.

Investing in blue-chip stocks is a must for a stable and growth-oriented portfolio. These companies offer solid fundamentals and reliable returns.

SoFi continues adding new customers and expanding profitability. PayPal's new leadership is turning the company around.