Leon Cooperman Warns of AI Bust and Recession: 4 ETFs to Take Cover In

Billionaire investor Leon Cooperman is warning that the U.S. economy could slip into recession next year, potentially ending the market's AI-fueled run, according to Business Insider.

Benzinga • Aug 19, 2026

Should You Invest in the Vanguard Consumer Staples Index Fund ETF Shares (VDC)?

Launched on January 26, 2004, the Vanguard Consumer Staples Index Fund ETF Shares (VDC) 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 17, 2026

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

VDC: The 2026 Staples Rotation Is Real, But GLP-1s Are Eating The Aisle, Hold

Vanguard Consumer Staples ETF (VDC) is rated Hold due to full valuation at 22x earnings and a modest 2.1% yield. Defensive rotation is real, but VDC's top holdings—Walmart and Costco—comprise 25% and are premium-priced retailers, not classic defensives. Structural GLP-1 weight-loss drug adoption is eroding packaged food and beverage demand, already visible in declining volumes for key holdings.

Seeking Alpha • Aug 4, 2026

VDC vs. FTXG: Which Defensive ETF Is the Better Buy?

VDC carries a significantly lower expense ratio than FTXG. VDC holds over 100 securities, while FTXG maintains a concentrated portfolio of 30 stocks.

The Motley Fool • Jul 28, 2026

This Vanguard ETF Has Weathered Every Recession in Its History

The Vanguard Consumer Staples ETF launched in January 2004. The ETF has outperformed not only the benchmarks but all other major Vanguard ETFs during downturns.

The Motley Fool • Jul 23, 2026

Which Is the Better Consumer Staples ETF, Vanguard's VDC or Invesco's RSPS?

The Vanguard Consumer Staples ETF features a significantly lower expense ratio and larger assets under management than Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Consumer Staples ETF. The Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Consumer Staples ETF provides a higher trailing dividend yield but holds a more concentrated portfolio of 34 stocks.

The Motley Fool • Jul 9, 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

Which Is the Better Consumer Staples ETF, Vanguard's VDC or iShares' KXI?

The iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF provides international exposure with a higher expense ratio than the Vanguard Consumer Staples ETF. The Vanguard Consumer Staples ETF has delivered stronger five-year total return while maintaining significantly higher assets under management (AUM).

The Motley Fool • Jul 6, 2026

XLP vs. VDC: Which Consumer Staples ETF Is the Better Buy?

The State Street Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLP) offers a lower expense ratio and higher dividend yield than the Vanguard Consumer Staples ETF (VDC). VDC provides more diversified exposure with 103 holdings compared to XLP's 36 positions.

The Motley Fool • Jun 21, 2026