$COL:ASX - COLES GROUP - Running nicely. Up 30% YTD.

Coles has been having a nice steady run since its listing / spin off last year. I was thinking it could make a reasonably good defensive stock to hold throughout any downturns but they did suffer a dip in August in line with the rest of the market. With more and more news about Coles expanding their online presence they could continue their upward march for a while. Could be one to watch for the more conservative portfolios out there.

Current demand: 492 buyers for 390,045 units vs 256 sellers for 142,679 units

Coles Group Limited is an Australia-based company that operates predominantly in the retail industry. The Company sells various products, including fresh food, groceries, household goods, liquor, fuel and financial services through its store network and online platforms. The Company operates through three divisions: Coles Supermarkets, Coles Liquor and Coles Convenience. Coles Supermarkets comprises the Coles supermarkets store network, the Coles Online supermarket offering and Coles Financial Services. Coles Liquor operates a range of liquor retailing formats encompassing three brands, such as Liquorland, First Choice Liquor and Vintage Cellars, as well as an online liquor retailing business. Coles Convenience segment sells shell fuels and a range of products, such as groceries, snacks, drinks, gas bottles, firewood, and Shell oils and lubricants. Coles Liquor also operates a network of 88 hotels under the Spirit Hotels brand, predominantly located in Queensland.