If macroeconomic issues worsen, defensive dividend stocks might be worth a look to soften the blow. An article recently highlighted three specific names. ET (Energy Transfer): A midstream energy MLP that is more stable than oil exploration. It has a 6.9% forward yield and management is targeting 4% to 6% annual distribution growth. DLR (Digital Realty Trust): A data center REIT benefiting from AI growth. It yields around 2.8% with earnings expected to grow 9% to 10% over the next two years. VZ (Verizon): Up 25% year to date. They are reporting better quarterly results and subscriber growth. It yields 5.5% with a long history of dividend increases.