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16 handpicked stocks

Defensive Stocks: Could Labor Market Cooling Help?

The recent surge in jobless claims to a nearly four-year high suggests the U.S. labor market is cooling, increasing the likelihood of Federal Reserve interest rate cuts. This scenario could create opportunities in defensive sectors like consumer staples and utilities, which tend to remain stable during economic slowdowns.

Author avatar

Han Tan | Market Analyst

Published on September 12

Your Basket's Financial Footprint

Market capitalisation breakdown for a defensive stock basket showing heavy concentration in one very large holding and two much smaller holdings.

Key Takeaways for Investors:
  • Large-cap dominance tends to mean lower volatility and steadier performance, indicating generally lower short-term risk.
  • Use as a core holding for diversified portfolios rather than a speculative, high-growth allocation.
  • Likely to deliver steady long-term value rather than explosive short-term gains.
Total Market Cap
  • UTL: $879.33M

  • GLU: $107.90M

  • WTRG: $11.69B

  • Other

About This Group of Stocks

1

Our Expert Thinking

With jobless claims hitting a nearly four-year high, the labour market is showing clear signs of cooling. This economic shift increases the likelihood of Federal Reserve interest rate cuts, creating a potentially favourable environment for defensive investments that can weather economic uncertainty.

2

What You Need to Know

These defensive stocks focus on essential sectors like consumer staples and utilities that provide goods and services people need regardless of economic conditions. Their stable demand patterns can offer more predictable revenues and consistent dividends during market volatility.

3

Why These Stocks

This collection was carefully curated by professional analysts to target sectors that historically perform well during economic slowdowns. Each asset represents companies providing essential services like food, household products, and electricity that maintain steady demand even when the economy cools.

Why You'll Want to Watch These Stocks

🛡️

Economic Storm Shelter

When jobless claims surge and the economy shows signs of cooling, defensive stocks often become the safe harbour investors seek. These companies provide essentials that people need regardless of economic conditions.

📉

Rate Cut Beneficiaries

As the Federal Reserve considers interest rate cuts to support the weakening labour market, defensive stocks with stable dividends could become increasingly attractive to income-focused investors.

💪

Recession-Resistant Revenue

Consumer staples and utilities have historically shown resilience during economic downturns because demand for food, household products, and electricity remains relatively stable even when times get tough.

Get the full story on this Basket. Read our detailed article on its risks and potential.

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