ZACKSยท2025-05-21 15:56Group 1: Consumer Sentiment and Economic Outlook - Consumer sentiment index fell to 50.8 in May, a 2.7% month-over-month decline, marking the second lowest in the survey's 75-year history [4] - Consumer confidence has decreased nearly 30% since January, with the 12-month inflation outlook rising to 7.3% from 6.5% [4] - The Federal Reserve has paused interest rate cuts, with market participants expecting at least two 25 basis point cuts this year, but the first is unlikely before September [6] Group 2: Tariff Impact on Market - President Trump announced sweeping tariffs on all trading partners, raising fears of a global trade war and a potential recession, leading to market volatility [7] - Markets have stabilized following a temporary pause on tariffs for most countries and a trade truce with China [8][9] Group 3: Investment Opportunities in Utility Stocks - Recommended investment in safe-haven stocks such as Atmos Energy Corporation, DTE Energy Company, Edison International, and MDU Resources Group, all carrying a Zacks Rank of 1 or 2 [2] - These stocks are characterized as low-beta (beta greater than 0 but less than 1) with high dividend yields [3] Group 4: Company Profiles - Atmos Energy Corporation: Expected earnings growth rate of 6% for the current year, Zacks Rank 2, beta of 0.74, and a dividend yield of 2.18% [12] - DTE Energy Company: Expected earnings growth rate of 5.9% for the current year, Zacks Rank 2, beta of 0.47, and a dividend yield of 3.15% [13] - Edison International: Expected earnings growth rate of 22% for the current year, Zacks Rank 2, beta of 0.77, and a dividend yield of 5.71% [15] - MDU Resources Group: Expected earnings growth rate of 5.2% for the current year, Zacks Rank 2, beta of 0.72, and a dividend yield of 2.93% [16]