"If you’re going to stay invested, you should look to defensive sectors," explains Ron Rowland and Brandon Clay.

In their Invest with an Edge, the leading growth stock advisors explain, "Perhaps the best way to do this is with Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR (NYSE: XLP)." Here's their look at this defensive exchange-traded fund.

"In a bear market, those opportunities are usually limited to certain sectors. Surveying the investment horizon, we think Consumer Staples has the best opportunity for growth in this economy.

"Regardless how the economy acts, people still eat. Consumers may not shop at Whole Foods, but they’ll still buy groceries. Companies like Wal-Mart and Safeway will continue to rake in revenues from hungry customers.

"In addition, these companies should continue to receive additional revenue from consumers who normally shop at specialty stores, but can no longer afford to.

"Consumers may not be shopping at Sharper Image any more, but there are other creature comforts that will be difficult for Americans to abandon.

"Coca-Cola and PepsiCo will still sell products during a prolonged downturn. In addition, companies providing toiletries and convenience like Procter and Gamble and CVS Pharmacy stand to do well during a shifty economy.

"Americans also still want their beer at football games and NASCAR races. Americans also want their Marlboros. Phillip Morris and Altria Group will benefit from those routines. Old habits die hard. Because of that, Consumer Staples gets a boost.

"The Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR exchange-traded fund is the most liquid ETF in the sector. It includes all of the blue chip companies mentioned above plus Kraft, Kimberly-Clark, Archer Daniels Midland and more.

"In addition, XLP appears to have stabilized on the chart. Like most ETFs, it fell during October, but it seems to be rising on the back of stable consumer demand in this soft economy. We think it’s a great pick at this time. To go with a solid defensive pick, get XLP."