The Defensive Global Consumer Franchise Stocks Theme offers a balanced alternative between the higher risks associated with general equity investing and the safety of risk-free government bonds.Companies in the theme own many iconic brands, such as Coca-Cola, Colgate, Listerine, Cadbury, Gillette, Head & Shoulders, Guinness, Heineken, Nescafé, Dove, Vaseline, and Ben & Jerry's. Their sales and profits tend to be defensive during recessions, because they are essential items, or affordable luxuries. Because they are low-ticket, everyday, repeat purchases, their sales and profits tend to be predictable. And, finally, because they are irreplaceable in consumers' minds, they can often raise prices without losing customers.Defensive, predictable, and inflation-resistant sales and profits - such enviable attributes! What better way for the risk-averse investor, who nonetheless wants a reasonable return on their capital, to invest?