With interest rate uncertainty on the rise across the market, it may be time to buy stocks with a demonstrated history of low volatility. The Cboe Volatility Index — a yardstick of expected market volatility — briefly rose above 21 on Friday, its highest level since last October. The insurance stock currently has a 5-year beta of 0.54 relative to the S & P 500, and a price volatility score of 6.28. With a 5-year beta of 0.78 versus the S & P 500 and a 5-year price volatility score of 6.50, medical equipment maker Boston Scientific also turned up on the screen. Compared to the S & P 500, Merck's 5-year beta comes in at 0.39, while its 5-year price volatility scores a 6.06.

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Persons: Joanne Wuensch Organizations: CNBC Pro, Boston Scientific, Citigroup, Boston, Pharmaceutical, Merck, Food, NextEra Energy Locations: UnitedHealth