10 Safe Blue-Chip Stocks You Want to Own

When markets get jittery (like they are now), investors' thoughts often turn to so-called "safe stocks," to protect their portfolios against losses. Especially when there are numerous headwinds and no clear outcome in sight, blue-chip stocks have a particular appeal thanks to their diverse businesses, deep financial resources and relative stock stability.

There are all sorts of sources of uncertainty, such as new leadership in the Federal Reserve and questions about how much more the Fed will raise interest rates, or global central banks ending their economic stimulus efforts, which could lead to synchronized global contraction; spiking oil prices.

There's also the ongoing threat of a trade war between the United States and China as the former ramps up proposed tariffs and the latter considers retaliation of its own. Not to mention, America has pulled out from the Iran nuclear deal and imposed sanctions on the nation, heightening chances of additional conflict in the Middle East.

Thus, now seems like exactly the right time to load up on "safe stocks." While no company is completely immune to broad-market headwinds, these mostly blue-chip