These two ETFs offer exposure to the consumer companies we know and love. Is one of them more ideal to consume a portion of your portfolio?This comparison looks at two U.S. consumer staples sector ETFs: Fidelity MSCI Consumer Staples Index ETF (FSTA 0.23%) and iShares U.S. Consumer Staples ETF (IYK +0.07%). Both aim to provide exposure to consumer staples, but they differ in cost, holdings concentration, and sector purity, which may appeal to different types of investors.Snapshot (cost & size)MetricIYKFSTAI ...

Core Viewpoint - Silver has reached an all-time high of $101, outperforming gold as the best-performing asset in the current macro environment, while Bitcoin has not followed the same upward trend, raising questions about its future trajectory [1]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - Risk-off demand is dominating markets, with investors moving into defensive assets like silver and gold amid rising uncertainty [2]. - Falling real rate expectations are supporting metals, as markets anticipate multiple US Federal Reserve rate cuts in 2026, which lowers real yields and weakens the US dollar, benefiting precious metals [3]. - A weaker dollar makes dollar-denominated metals cheaper for international buyers, contributing significantly to silver's momentum in January [4]. Group 2: Geopolitical and Economic Factors - Escalating geopolitical tensions, including trade disputes and conflicts in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, are driving investors towards safe-haven assets [5]. - Concerns over US fiscal sustainability and rising government debt are also influencing market behavior [5]. Group 3: Supply and Demand Factors - The silver market is facing real-world supply constraints, with a structural deficit persisting for several years, as most silver production is a by-product of mining other metals [6]. - The US has designated silver as a critical mineral, leading to strategic stockpiling and tighter inventories, which has pushed prices higher as demand outpaces supply [7]. - Industrial demand for silver is increasing due to its critical role in the global energy transition, making it a strategic commodity in energy security and infrastructure resilience [8].

Market Outlook & Economic Conditions - Uncertainty surrounding government shutdowns and Washington agreement weighs on investors, but underlying fundamentals are lifting markets [3] - Softening labor market and potential inflationary pressures due to tariffs create a complex situation for the Federal Reserve [8] - Political polarization in Washington can erode investor confidence [6] - Northern Trust Asset Management believes the odds of a US recession have decreased [10] Monetary Policy - The market anticipates potential Fed interest rate cuts due to uncertainty [7] - Northern Trust Asset Management expects the Fed funds rate to be approximately 100 basis points (1%) lower over the next 12 months [9] Investment Strategy - Northern Trust Asset Management favors risk assets (stocks) within a balanced portfolio [10] - Recently, the firm has increased exposure to the US market due to increased confidence in a soft landing [10] - Companies doubled earnings estimates last quarter, indicating a strong trend for the year ahead [11]