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Weak consumer sentiment and rising economic risks could strengthen the case for consumer staples ETFs. Here are the funds worth considering now.
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.
The Fidelity MSCI Consumer Staples Index ETF offers a lower expense ratio and a higher dividend yield than the Invesco Food & Beverage ETF. The Invesco Food & Beverage ETF targets a concentrated basket of 31 stocks, while the Fidelity MSCI Consumer Staples Index ETF provides broader exposure with 104 holdings.
Fidelity MSCI Consumer Staples Index ETF provides convenient, high-quality defensive exposure with stronger diversification compared to XLP. Despite its robust performance in July, FSTA's factor mix and historical returns do not justify a bullish stance. Over January 2021–July 2026, FSTA delivered a -7.2% active return as low beta restrained upside capture.
FSTA's lower 0.08% fee contrasts with IYK's broader sector exposure and higher dividend yield, creating distinct trade-offs for defensive investors.
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.