4 Sector ETFs & Stocks to Gain Despite Lower-Than -Expected Inflation

Economic Overview - U.S. consumer prices increased by 0.3% in September 2025, slightly down from August's 0.4% gain and below the expected 0.4% growth [1] - Energy costs rose by 1.5%, driven by a 4.1% increase in gasoline prices, while food prices saw a 0.2% increase [1] - The core consumer price index, excluding food and energy, gained 0.2%, just below August's rate and slightly under the forecast of 0.3% growth [1] - The annual consumer price index recorded a rise of 3%, which was less than economists' expectations [1] Sector ETFs & Stocks to Gain Energy Sector - The VanEck Oil Services ETF (OIH) is highlighted as a potential investment, with revenues tied to energy prices, a significant component of inflation indices [3] - Monthly inflation for energy was 1.5% in September, with annual inflation at 2.8% [3] - Murphy USA (MUSA), a leading independent retailer of motor fuel and convenience merchandise, is noted as a good investment opportunity with a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) [4] Restaurant Sector - The AdvisorShares Restaurant ETF (EATZ) is actively managed and invests at least 80% of its net assets in companies deriving at least 50% of their revenues from the restaurant business [6] - The food-away-from-home index rose by 0.1% in September, with limited-service meals increasing by 0.2% and full-service meals remaining unchanged [5] - Red Robin Gourmet Burgers (RRGB), a full-service casual dining restaurant chain, is identified as a strong buy with a Zacks Rank of 1 [6] Healthcare Sector - The Health Care Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLV) includes companies from various healthcare industries and is based on the Health Care Select Sector Index [7] - The index for medical care services rose by 3.9% annually and 0.3% sequentially in September [7] - Universal Health Services (UHS), which operates acute care hospitals and other healthcare facilities, is mentioned as a buy with a Zacks Rank of 2 [8] Transportation Sector - The SPDR S&P Transportation ETF (XTN) tracks the S&P Transportation Select Industry Index and has a Zacks ETF Rank of 3 [9] - The transportation index increased by 0.3% sequentially and 2.5% year over year in September [9] - Delta Air Lines (DAL), a major player in the U.S. aviation market, is highlighted as a buy with a Zacks Rank of 2 [10]