Consumer Sentiment - U.S. consumer sentiment remained low in October, with a preliminary reading of 55, down 0.1 points from September's 55.1, but higher than the consensus estimate of 54.1 [4][11] - Consumers' one-year inflation expectations decreased to 4.6% in October from 4.7% in the previous month, while long-term inflation expectations remained unchanged at 3.7% [5][6] Market Conditions - The ongoing government shutdown has led to market volatility, with all three major indexes ending in negative territory for the week [7][11] - Investors are seeking stability in low-beta, defensive stocks amid concerns about inflation and the labor market [2][11] Recommended Stocks - **Atmos Energy Corporation (ATO)**: Expected earnings growth rate of 7.5%, Zacks Rank 2, beta of 0.74, and a dividend yield of 1.97% [9][8] - **CenterPoint Energy, Inc. (CNP)**: Expected earnings growth rate of 8.6%, Zacks Rank 2, beta of 0.57, and a dividend yield of 2.24% [13][12] - **Consolidated Water Co. Ltd. (CWCO)**: Expected earnings growth rate of 0.9%, Zacks Rank 2, beta of 0.53, and a dividend yield of 1.67% [15][14] - **Northwest Natural Holding Company (NWN)**: Expected earnings growth rate of 25.3%, Zacks Rank 2, beta of 0.57, and a dividend yield of 4.39% [17][16]

Key Takeaways Investors are turning to low-beta stocks amid ongoing market uncertainty and volatility.LNG, BZ, and AEM meet strict screening criteria for stability and strong recent price performance.Cheniere, Kanzhun, and Agnico Eagle Mines show solid cash flows and strong market positioning.According to a CNBC article, investors are seeking gold as an investment amid rising economic and geopolitical uncertainties. In fact, most of the analysts believe that the U.S. stock market will remain volatile, there ...

Market Overview - Volatility has returned to Wall Street, with major indexes losing gains over the past couple of months due to uncertainty over the next rate cut and the impact of President Trump's tariffs on consumer sentiment [1][8] - Consumer sentiment fell in July, with the University of Michigan's preliminary consumer sentiment index dropping to 58.6% from 61.7% in June, missing analysts' expectations [4][10] Consumer Sentiment and Inflation - Households are expecting prices of goods to rise due to higher tariffs, leading to a decline in consumer sentiment [5][10] - Short-term inflation expectations worsened, with the projected 12-month inflation outlook rising to 4.9% in July from 4.5% in June, and the five-year inflation outlook increasing to 3.9% from 3.4% [5] Investment Recommendations - Given the current market conditions, it may be wise to focus on safe-haven stocks such as utilities and consumer staples, with Fortis, Inc. (FTS), New Jersey Resources Corporation (NJR), ONE Gas, Inc. (OGS), and Diageo plc (DEO) highlighted as attractive options [2][10] - These recommended stocks are categorized as low-beta stocks (beta greater than 0 but less than 1) with high dividend yields and favorable Zacks Ranks [3] Company Profiles Fortis, Inc. - Engaged in the electric and gas utility business, operating primarily in Canada, the United States, and the Caribbean [9] - Expected earnings growth rate of 4.6% for the current year, with a Zacks Rank 2 and a current dividend yield of 3.51% [11] New Jersey Resources Corporation - An energy services holding company providing natural gas and clean energy services [12] - Expected earnings growth rate of 12% for the current year, with a Zacks Rank 1 and a current dividend yield of 3.83% [13] ONE Gas, Inc. - A regulated natural gas distribution utility serving over 2.3 million customers in Oklahoma, Kansas, and Texas [14] - Expected earnings growth rate of 10.5% for the current year, with a Zacks Rank 2 and a current dividend yield of 3.54% [14] Diageo plc - Operates in approximately 180 countries, producing and distributing spirits, wine, and beer [15] - Expected earnings growth rate of 3.5% for the current year, with a Zacks Rank 2 and a current dividend yield of 2.87% [16]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses seven low beta stocks with dividend yields up to 8%, which are considered more stable during market downturns, providing a cushion against volatility [2][3]. Group 1: Low-Beta Dividend Stocks - Getty Realty (GTY) offers a 6.6% yield with a 5-year beta of 0.86 and a 1-year beta of 0.12, indicating lower volatility compared to the market. The company has a stable cash-flowing tenant base, primarily from convenience stores and car washes [5][7]. - AES Corp. (AES) has a 5.5% yield and operates with a 1-year beta of 0.88 and a 5-year beta of 0.96. It combines traditional utility services with renewable energy sales, providing growth potential [9][10]. - Northwest Bancshares (NWBI) offers a 6.8% yield with a 5-year beta of 0.69 and a 1-year beta of 0.80. The company has a solid balance sheet but faces challenges in consistent growth despite a recent merger [11][12]. - Conagra Brands (CAG) has a yield of 7.4% but faces significant challenges, including supply chain issues and food inflation, with a 1-year beta of -0.05 and a 5-year beta of 0.08 [17][21]. - Cal-Maine Foods (CALM) boasts an 8.0% yield and has seen a 60% increase year-to-date, with a 1-year beta of 0.67 and a 5-year beta of 0.19. The company has benefited from rising egg prices but faces income variability [23][24]. Group 2: Market Performance and Trends - The article highlights that low beta stocks tend to attract buyers during market downturns, which can help stabilize their share prices [3]. - The performance of low beta stocks like Kraft Heinz (KHC) and General Mills (GIS) has been disappointing, with low betas reflecting counter-market movements rather than stability [14][15]. - The overall trend indicates that while some low beta stocks have maintained dividends, their growth has been limited, and challenges remain in the current market environment [16][22].

Market Overview - Wall Street experienced a sharp retreat after the Federal Reserve decided to keep interest rates unchanged in the range of 4.25-4.50% [4][5] - Investor optimism faded following the announcement, leading to increased market volatility [1] - The uncertainty surrounding President Trump's impending tariff decisions is contributing to market fluctuations [1][7] Investment Recommendations - It is advisable to invest in safe-haven defensive stocks from the utility sector, including ONE Gas, Inc. (OGS), Fortis, Inc. (FTS), Northwest Natural Holding Company (NWN), and IDACORP, Inc. (IDA) [2] - These stocks are categorized as low-beta (beta greater than 0 but less than 1), making them suitable for investors seeking stability [3] Company Profiles ONE Gas, Inc. (OGS) - OGS is a regulated natural gas distribution utility serving over 2.3 million customers across Oklahoma, Kansas, and Texas [9] - Expected earnings growth rate for the current year is 9.7%, with a Zacks Consensus Estimate improvement of 0.2% over the last 60 days [11] - OGS has a beta of 0.80 and a current dividend yield of 3.68% [11] Fortis, Inc. (FTS) - Fortis operates in the electric and gas utility sector, primarily in Canada, the U.S., and the Caribbean [12] - The expected earnings growth rate for the current year is 4.2%, with a Zacks Consensus Estimate improvement of 0.8% over the last 60 days [12] - FTS has a beta of 0.48 and a current dividend yield of 3.63% [12] Northwest Natural Holding Company (NWN) - NWN builds and maintains natural gas distribution systems and invests in pipeline projects, serving customers in the U.S. and Canada [13] - The expected earnings growth rate for the current year is 23.6%, with a Zacks Consensus Estimate improvement of 1.4% over the last 60 days [14] - NWN has a beta of 0.53 and a current dividend yield of 4.83% [14] IDACORP, Inc. (IDA) - IDA is involved in the transmission, distribution, and sale of electricity services in southern Idaho and eastern Oregon [15] - The expected earnings growth rate for the current year is 6%, with a Zacks Consensus Estimate improvement of 0.3% over the last 60 days [15] - IDA has a beta of 0.56 and a current dividend yield of 2.81% [15]

Market Overview - Wall Street has experienced a rally, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq reaching multiple record highs due to positive trade negotiations and a strong earnings season [1] - Despite the rally, concerns about the economy persist, particularly regarding high inflation and the Federal Reserve's stance on interest rates [2][8] Federal Reserve Insights - The Federal Reserve is expected to maintain interest rates in the range of 4.25-4.5% during the upcoming FOMC meeting, with no cuts anticipated [5][8] - Retail sales increased by 0.6% in June, indicating resilient consumer spending despite inflationary pressures [5] - The Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose by 0.3% in June, influenced by higher consumer goods prices due to tariffs [6] Investment Recommendations - It is advisable to invest in low-beta defensive stocks from the utility and consumer staples sectors, which include Entergy Corporation, Fortis, Inc., Northwest Natural Holding Company, and Ingredion Incorporated [3][4] - These stocks are characterized by high dividend yields and favorable Zacks Ranks, making them appealing amid inflation and interest rate uncertainties [11] Company Profiles Entergy Corporation - Engaged in electric power production and retail distribution, with a generating capacity of 30,000 MW, including over 8,000 MW of nuclear capacity [9] - Expected earnings growth rate of 6.6% for the current year, with a Zacks Rank of 2 and a dividend yield of 2.72% [10] Fortis, Inc. - Operates in the electric and gas utility sector, primarily in Canada and the Caribbean [12] - Expected earnings growth rate of 4.2% for the current year, with a Zacks Rank of 2 and a dividend yield of 3.63% [12] Northwest Natural Holding Company - Focuses on natural gas distribution systems and pipeline projects, serving residential, commercial, and industrial customers [13] - Expected earnings growth rate of 23.6% for the current year, with a Zacks Rank of 2 and a dividend yield of 4.80% [14] Ingredion Incorporated - Provides ingredient solutions, specializing in nature-based sweeteners and starches for various industries [15] - Expected earnings growth rate of 6.8% for the current year, with a Zacks Rank of 2 and a dividend yield of 2.40% [16]

Market Overview - The U.S. stock market is expected to remain volatile due to economic uncertainty, inflationary pressures, and geopolitical risks [1] - The Federal Reserve has maintained its forecast for two rate cuts in 2025 but acknowledged increasing uncertainty in the economic outlook [1] Investment Strategy - Creating a curated portfolio of low-beta stocks is recommended as a strategy to safeguard against market fluctuations [2] - Suggested stocks include The Progressive Corporation (PGR), Baidu Inc (BIDU), TEGNA Inc. (TGNA), and JD.com, Inc. (JD) [2] Stock Analysis The Progressive Corporation (PGR) - Reported a 17% year-over-year increase in net premiums written to $6.68 billion and an 18% rise in net premiums earned to $6.04 billion [7] - Net income surged 26% year-over-year to $928 million, translating to $1.58 per share, a 28% increase from the prior year [7] - The combined ratio improved to 82.6 from 86.8, indicating enhanced underwriting profitability [7] Baidu Inc (BIDU) - Focused on AI-driven transformation, solidifying its competitive edge across multiple business segments [8] - The ERNIE AI model has shown strong adoption with increasing API usage and an open-source expansion plan [9] - The AI Cloud division is gaining traction, and Apollo Go, its autonomous ride-hailing service, is scaling operations [9] TEGNA Inc. (TGNA) - Executing a strategic transformation to enhance operational efficiency and digital engagement [10] - Cost-cutting initiatives aim to unlock $90 to $100 million in savings [10] - Strengthening digital revenue streams through local CTV advertising and consumer engagement initiatives [10] JD.com, Inc. (JD) - Capitalizing on supply chain efficiencies and AI-driven automation to enhance user experience [11] - Strong growth in general merchandise and lower-tier market penetration supported by government stimulus policies [11] - Investments in AI-driven logistics and personalized shopping experiences are strengthening its competitive position [11]