Zacks Highlights Four Low-Beta Defensive Stocks After Fed Holds Rates Steady

Macro
โดย Zacks Investment Research·Read original
Summary · why it matters

The Federal Reserve kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged in the 3.5–3.75% range at its June policy meeting, while signaling a possible rate cut later this year amid persistent inflation. Against this backdrop, Zacks Investment Research recommends four low-beta defensive stocks from the consumer staples sector that have seen positive earnings estimate revisions in the past 60 days and carry a Zacks Rank #2, or Buy. The picks are American States Water Company, with a beta of 0.60 and a dividend yield of 2.61%; Consolidated Edison, with a beta of 0.27 and a yield of 3.34%; The Coca-Cola Company, with a beta of 0.35 and a yield of 2.67%; and The New York Times Company, with a beta of 0.95 and a yield of 1.26%. The Fed removed earlier wording that had hinted at additional rate cuts, and policymakers suggested future rate increases could still be on the table if needed, after cutting rates by 75 basis points at the end of 2025. Inflation remains a key concern, with the Consumer Price Index rising 0.5% in May following a 0.6% increase in April, and the Iran conflict pushing oil prices to record levels.

Impact on stocks 4

Climate Adaptation & Water▲ · 1 stocks
Energy Transition & Power Demand▲ · 1 stocks
Consolidated Edison Inc
ED
▲ PositiveMonetaryrelevance

Fed holds rates steady with possible cut later, supporting defensive stocks like low-beta utilities.

Consumer Staples▲ · 1 stocks
The Coca-Cola Company
KO
▲ PositiveMonetaryrelevance

Fed holds rates steady with possible cut later, supporting defensive stocks like low-beta consumer staples.

Communication Services▲ · 1 stocks
New York Times Company
NYT
▲ PositiveMonetaryrelevance

Fed holds rates steady with possible cut later, supporting defensive stocks like low-beta consumer staples.

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