

XLP and FSTA offer identical expense ratios, delivering comparable cost advantages. FSTA provides broader diversification with roughly holdings compared to just over 30 for XLP.

The Fidelity MSCI Consumer Staples Index ETF (FSTA) carries a significantly lower expense ratio of 0.08% compared to the 0.61% charged by Invesco Food & Beverage ETF (PBJ). PBJ maintains a concentrated portfolio of 31 holdings, while FSTA offers broader exposure with 98 positions.

These two low-cost defensive ETFs share many similarities, but one is clearly a more attractive buy.

Launched on October 21, 2013, the Fidelity MSCI Consumer Staples Index ETF (FSTA) is a passively managed exchange traded fund designed to provide a broad exposure to the Consumer Staples - Broad segment of the equity market.

Fidelity MSCI Consumer Staples Index ETF offers a lower expense ratio while Vanguard Consumer Staples ETF manages a much larger pool of assets. Vanguard Consumer Staples ETF has a longer historical track record having launched nearly a decade before its Fidelity counterpart.

Consumer pessimism and market volatility may push investors toward defensive ETFs, strengthening the appeal of consumer staple funds.

The Fidelity MSCI Consumer Staples Index ETF is good for diversification, low costs, and competitive returns versus peers, despite high valuations. FSTA's top holdings, WMT, COST, and PG, drive sector performance and exhibit stable cash flows, robust dividend safety, and growth grades. The consumer staples sector trades at historically elevated valuations, justified by market demand for stability amid high global debt and persistent inflation.

When markets crack, consumer staples tend not to. During the 2008 financial crisis, the S&P 500 fell approximately 38% peak to trough, and consumer staples, as a sector, declined roughly half of that. In the 2020 pandemic selloff, the S&P lost about 34% in five weeks while staples fell closer to 20%. In the 2022... Retirees Are Quietly Using These 3 Consumer Staples ETFs as a Recession Shield