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.

stock
stock
stock
stock
stock
stock
stock
stock
stock
stock

+6

Author avatar

Han Tan | Market Analyst

Published on September 12

Top Picks from This Group

Here are a few of the assets in this group. Create an account to unlock the full list.

XLP

Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR

XLP

Current price

$80.32

Consumer staples ETF providing exposure to companies that produce essential goods with stable demand patterns.

VPU

Utilities Vanguard

VPU

Current price

$185.17

Utilities ETF offering exposure to companies providing essential services like electricity and water.

XLU

Utilities Select Sector SPDR

XLU

Current price

$85.50

Utilities sector ETF focusing on companies that provide essential infrastructure services.

12 Month Growth Potential

Use the growth calculator to see how much investing in these assets could return over one year, based on aggregated analyst sentiment provided by Refinitive Ltd.

If you invested across these assets:

In 12 months it might be worth:

$1,000.00

+21.45%

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.

Group Performance Snapshot

21.45%

Average 12 Month Profit

On average, analysts expect assets in this group to grow 21.45% over the next year.

3 of 15

Stocks Rated Buy by Analysts

3 of 15 assets in this group are rated Buy by professional analysts.

Source: Analyst sentiment is provided by Refinitiv Ltd, a global leader in financial market data with over 40k business clients. Refinitiv Ltd is an independent third party to Nemo. This is not advice.

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.

Read Full Insight

Why Invest with Nemo Money?

Nemo Logo Fade
🆓

Zero Commission

Trade stocks, ETFs, and more with zero commission. Keep more of your returns.

🔒

Trusted & Regulated

Part of Exinity Group 2015, serving over a million customers globally.

💰

6% Interest on Cash

Earn 6% AER on uninvested cash with daily interest payments.

Discover More Opportunities

Consumer Sentiment Drop (Four-Month Low) Aids Retailers

Consumer Sentiment Drop (Four-Month Low) Aids Retailers

A sharp drop in consumer sentiment to a four-month low indicates that households, especially lower and middle-income ones, are feeling financial pressure. This creates an investment opportunity in discount and off-price retailers, which stand to gain as consumers shift their spending to value-oriented stores.

Satellite Giants Unite: The Next Chapter for Europe

Satellite Giants Unite: The Next Chapter for Europe

Three of Europe's top aerospace companies are nearing a deal to merge their satellite units, creating a €10 billion joint venture. This strategic consolidation is poised to bolster Europe's competitiveness in the global space race, creating opportunities for companies in the satellite technology supply chain.

Play Store Competition | Investment Opportunities

Play Store Competition | Investment Opportunities

A court ruling has forced Google to open its Play Store to competitors, a major victory for Epic Games. This development creates an investment opportunity in companies poised to benefit from a more competitive app and payment ecosystem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about the product and billing.