Bearish sentiments in the stock market are surging, driven by concerns over the multi-decade high inflation, geopolitical unrest, and the Federal Reserve’s hawkish tilt. These factors have fueled investors’ fears of a potential recession, causing a rush to the exits. The stocks closed their worst first half in more than 50 years, with S&P 500 declining 20.6% during the first six months of 2022.
Consumer staples stocks are considered defensive safe-havens amid market pullbacks due to their non-cyclical nature. Companies in this sector enjoy stable demand irrespective of booms and busts, and their stocks tend to pay attractive dividends, marking them among the best stocks to help soften the blow of a market downturn.
