Final answer:
Defensive stocks are stocks whose prices are expected to remain stable or prosper during economic slowdowns. They are associated with industries that provide essential goods and services that consumers continue to demand. Examples include healthcare, utilities, and consumer staples.
Step-by-step explanation:
Stocks whose prices are expected to remain stable, or even prosper, when economic activity is slowing down are known as defensive stocks. These types of stocks are considered to be more resilient to economic downturns because they are typically associated with industries that provide essential goods and services that consumers continue to demand, even during challenging economic times. Examples of defensive stocks include companies in sectors such as healthcare, utilities, and consumer staples.