Q2 2026 U.S. Retail Preview: Broadline Retail Drives Growth

The U.S. consumer remains resilient enough to support earnings growth, but that resilience is increasingly concentrated. The LSEG U.S. Retail and Restaurant Q2 earnings index, which tracks changes in the growth rate of earnings within the sector, is expected to show a 67.0% growth over last year's levels. Of the 185 retailers tracked by LSEG, the Broadline Retail sector, representing a wide variety of consumer goods, is headed for the highest earnings growth rate in the second quarter, recording a 231.1% surge over last year's level.

Seeking Alpha • Aug 17, 2026

Should You Invest in the Fidelity MSCI Consumer Staples Index ETF (FSTA)?

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.

Zacks Investment Research • Aug 12, 2026

Which Consumer Staples ETF Is Better, Fidelity's FSTA or Invesco's PBJ?

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.

The Motley Fool • Aug 11, 2026

FSTA: Recent Outperformance Masks A Less Attractive Long-Term Outlook

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.

Seeking Alpha • Aug 3, 2026

Which Consumer Staples ETF Is the Better Buy: Fidelity's FSTA or iShares' IYK?

Fidelity MSCI Consumer Staples Index ETF has a lower expense ratio of 0.08% compared to 0.38% for iShares U.S. Consumer Staples ETF. iShares U.S. Consumer Staples ETF provides a higher dividend yield and more concentrated exposure to top holdings.

The Motley Fool • Jul 31, 2026

FSTA vs. PBJ: Which Consumer Staples ETF Is the Better Buy for Investors?

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.

The Motley Fool • Jul 17, 2026

Mid-Year 2026 U.S. Retail/Restaurant Outlook

The LSEG Retail/Restaurant Index reported Q1 2026 earnings growth of 27.2%. Retail earnings in the first quarter of 2026 received a significant boost from a historic tax refund season, reinforcing consumer spending at a time when the labor market remained resilient. Q2 2026 earnings are currently expected to mark the weakest growth rate of the year, with consensus forecasts calling for a gradual improvement during the second half of the year.

Seeking Alpha • Jul 7, 2026

Fidelity vs. State Street: Which Consumer Staples ETF Stands Out?

State Street Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR ETF and Fidelity MSCI Consumer Staples Index ETF both offer ultra-low expense ratios of 0.08%. The SPDR ETF features a more concentrated portfolio of 36 stocks and a higher dividend yield of 2.6%.

The Motley Fool • Jun 17, 2026

VDC and FSTA Are Almost the Same Fund. Here's How to Choose Between Them.

Fidelity MSCI Consumer Staples Index ETF offers a lower expense ratio while Vanguard Consumer Staples ETF manages a much larger pool of assets. Vanguard Consumer Staples ETF has a longer historical track record having launched nearly a decade before its Fidelity counterpart.

The Motley Fool • Jun 8, 2026

Should Investors Raise Portfolio Allocations to Consumer Staples ETFs?

Consumer pessimism and market volatility may push investors toward defensive ETFs, strengthening the appeal of consumer staple funds.

Zacks Investment Research • May 19, 2026