Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has fallen heavily over the last three months.

And while it has rebounded notably from its lows, it is still a long way off the highs it reached in February.

Although this is disappointing for investors, I remain optimistic that the share market will bounce back strongly once the crisis blows over.

In light of this, I think now is the time to look for the shares to buy before the market rebounds. Three that I would buy are listed below:

EML Payments Ltd (ASX: EML)

EML Payments is a payments solutions company with a focus on digital gift cards and pre-paid cards. In respect to the latter, the company provides branded cards that can store customer account credit. This includes the cards that online bookmakers like Ladbrokes, Neds and BetEasy often use to transfer betting winnings to their customers. It also provides the cards for a number of large salary packaging companies. EML has been growing at a very strong rate over the last few years and looks well-positioned to continue this trend once the crisis passes. Especially following the acquisition of Prepaid Financial Services. This will allow the company to enter the emerging field of banking as a service (BaaS) and could be a key driver of growth in the coming years. So with its shares down 25% year to date, now could be an opportune time to take a closer look.

Ramsay Health Care Limited (ASX: RHC)

It has been a difficult couple of years for this private healthcare company and its 480 global facilities. Unfortunately, the coronavirus pandemic isn’t making things any easier and more tough times lie ahead. However, I believe its shares have more than priced in this short term headwind. As a result, I think it would be well worth focusing on its long term outlook, which remains very positive thanks to its world class global network and expansion/acquisition opportunities.

Sydney Airport Holdings Pty Ltd (ASX: SYD)

The Sydney Airport share price has come under significant pressure in 2020 and is down 37% year to date. Investors have of course been selling the airport operator’s shares due to the coronavirus pandemic and the impact this is having and will continue to have on passenger numbers. While the short term is admittedly bleak, I don’t think it will take too long for it to bounce back. Barring a second wave, it looks as though domestic travel will start its recovery in July. International travel will take longer, but a recovery will come in time. This could make it worth being patient with Sydney Airport’s shares and holding them with a long term view.

More reading

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James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of Emerchants Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Emerchants Limited and Ramsay Health Care Limited. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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Despite the widespread carnage across financial markets, there are some shares that could emerge relatively unscathed from the coronavirus pandemic. Defensive shares have the potential to deliver stable earnings and dividends due to the essential nature of their goods and services.

Here are 4 defensive shares on the ASX that could help protect your portfolio from share market volatility.

Amcor PLC (ASX: AMC) 

In my opinion, Amcor is one of the most defensive shares on the ASX. The company is a well-renowned producer of flexible and rigid packaging, allowing Amcor to generate revenue by providing packaging for defensive consumer products such as food, beverages, pharmaceuticals and medical equipment.

Amcor could be a beneficiary of the changed consumer behaviour that has resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, the company has a strong balance sheet and is also in the process of realising cost synergies from its $9 billion buyout of US group Bemis.

Brambles Limited (ASX: BXB)

Brambles is another defensive share that services essential goods and services. The company is best known for its iconic and reusable CHEP brand of pallets and crates, of which there are 330 million in circulation. The company is a logistics giant with a resilient supply chain and great exposure to essential consumer goods.

Brambles generates around 80% of its revenue from the consumer staples sector and has recently noted record levels of pallet demand from its grocery supply chains. The company cited that the defensive and resilient nature of its business was reflected in the strong volume growth.

Sonic Healthcare Limited (ASX: SHL)

Sonic is the third-largest pathology provider in the world, generating defensive revenue from radiology and pathology services. Although the company withdrew its earnings guidance for FY20, Sonic has been awarded a contract from the Australian Government to provide testing for COVID-19 in residential aged care facilities.

Despite being initially sold down heavily, the Sonic share price has bounced back around 30% from its low in mid-March. In addition to playing a crucial frontline role, Sonic has a strong financial position with a balance sheet boasting almost $1 billion in cash on hand.

Xero Limited (ASX: XRO)

With accounting software being an essential for all business owners, the services offered by Xero gives the company excellent defensive qualities in my view. The company has a resilient and sustainable revenue stream, reporting over 2 million subscribers in 2019.

Xero also boasts a strong balance sheet with NZ$111 million cash in the bank that could see the company navigate through the coronavirus crisis. In addition, Xero is poised for growth in overseas markets with the company expecting to exceed 5% in average revenue per user growth.

Foolish takeaway

In my opinion, a prudent strategy for long-term investors is to hedge their portfolio with defensive shares in order to provide some protection from further market volatility. I would recommend that investors compile a watchlist of defensive shares that are exposed to essential sectors and could blossom post-pandemic.

More reading

• 3 ASX tech shares to buy and hold until at least 2030
• What to watch on the ASX 200 next week
• Invest your first $10,000 in these cheap ASX shares today
• Top brokers name 3 ASX 200 shares to sell today
• Could this ASX healthcare share surge on COVID-19 testing?

Motley Fool contributor Nikhil Gangaram has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Amcor Limited. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of Xero. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Sonic Healthcare Limited. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

The post Protect your portfolio with these defensive ASX shares appeared first on Motley Fool Australia.

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