

Back-to-school spending is set to hit a record $146.8 billion in 2026, benefiting value-focused retailers, AI tools and semiconductor ETFs.

Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSEARCA:XLP - Get Free Report)'s stock price passed below its 200-day moving average during trading on Wednesday. The stock has a 200-day moving average of $84.35 and traded as low as $82.85. Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Fund shares last traded at $83.05, with a volume of 12,201,796

U.S. holiday retail sales are expected to grow by as much as 4.8% this year, Deloitte said on Thursday, as rising disposable incomes help support spending in the crucial shopping season despite consumers' continued focus on value.

Markets remain under pressure as geopolitical and economic risks rise. Defensive ETFs could help investors navigate volatility without abandoning growth.

Worries about slowing growth and inflation may benefit defensive funds focusing on sectors like utilities, consumer staples and healthcare.

The Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSEARCA:XLP) is the default parking spot for investors who want defensive exposure, a decent dividend, and the comfort of household-name brands. It has done its job in 2026, gaining 11.

Weak consumer sentiment and rising economic risks could strengthen the case for consumer staples ETFs. Here are the funds worth considering now.

State Street Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR ETF maintains a significantly lower expense ratio than Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Consumer Staples ETF. State Street Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR ETF has achieved higher 5-year total returns and a milder maximum drawdown compared to the Invesco fund.