7 ETF Themes To Watch As Fear & Greed Index Slips Toward Caution - SPDR Gold Shares (ARCA:GLD), iShares Gold Trust Shares (ARCA:IAU)

Core Viewpoint - U.S. equities experienced a significant decline as investor sentiment weakened due to renewed trade tensions between the U.S. and Europe, with the CNN Business Fear & Greed Index dropping to 48.3 from 55.3, indicating a shift to a "Neutral" zone [1]. Group 1: Market Reaction to Trade Tensions - President Trump threatened additional tariffs of up to 10% on several European countries starting February 1, potentially increasing to 25% by June if negotiations over Greenland control fail [2]. - European officials warned of possible retaliation that could affect up to 25% of U.S. exports, including services, and mentioned the possibility of reducing U.S. Treasury holdings [2]. Group 2: Sector Performance and Investment Strategies - Most S&P 500 sectors closed lower, prompting investors to rotate into defensive sectors, particularly consumer staples, which were among the few to close higher [3][4]. - ETFs focused on consumer staples are gaining attention as they provide exposure to companies with stable demand during economic and geopolitical uncertainties [4]. - Minimum volatility ETFs are attracting interest as investors seek to reduce risk while remaining in equities, focusing on stocks with historically lower price fluctuations [5]. - Quality factor ETFs are in demand as concerns over tariffs and earnings sustainability rise, with investors prioritizing companies with strong balance sheets [6]. - Gold ETFs are seeing renewed interest due to escalating trade tensions and discussions about reducing U.S. Treasury exposure [7]. - Volatility ETFs are becoming popular among short-term traders due to choppy markets and sharp intraday swings [11]. - Dividend ETFs are gaining appeal as investors seek stability and income during risk-off phases, particularly as growth-oriented sectors underperform [12]. - Healthcare ETFs are drawing attention ahead of key earnings reports from major players, as the sector is viewed as a safe haven during market stress [13]. Group 3: Notable ETFs - Key ETFs in focus include: - Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:XLP) and Vanguard Consumer Staples ETF (NYSE:VDC) for consumer staples [7]. - iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF (BATS:USMV) and Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF (NYSE:SPLV) for minimum volatility [8]. - iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF (BATS:QUAL) and Invesco S&P 500 Quality ETF (NYSE:SPHQ) for quality factors [9]. - SPDR Gold Shares (NYSE:GLD) and iShares Gold Trust (NYSE:IAU) for gold investments [14]. - Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (NYSE:SCHD) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (NYSE:VYM) for dividend strategies [16]. - Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:XLV) and Vanguard Health Care ETF (NYSE:VHT) for healthcare exposure [17].