defensive stocks

Leading the new pack of bulls who forecast a big leap in the U.S. economy and the stock market are the economists and analysts at Goldman Sachs. And they've a compiled a large batch of their "best-idea" stocks that they're convinced will outperform the market in 2011.

The market's recent volatility might make defensive investing seem appealing. But S&P Equity Research analysts caution that focusing too much on defensive sectors could have negative repercussions as well. Here's how to play smarter defense.

Defense is the best offense, according to some savvy strategists, as intense volatility continues to rock the market. Here are some solid defensive stocks -- and some offensive stocks to avoid.