Economic Overview - Concerns about a slowing economy have intensified, with the Federal Reserve unlikely to implement rate cuts soon due to persistent inflation [1][8] - Consumer confidence has dropped significantly, with the Conference Board's consumer survey index falling to 98.3 in February, below the expected 102.3 [7] Inflation Data - The consumer price index (CPI) rose by 0.5% in January, following a 0.4% increase in December, marking the largest jump since August 2023 [5] - Year-over-year, CPI increased by 3% in January, up from 2.9% in December, the highest annual gain since April 2024 [6] Consumer Staples Investment - Investing in consumer staples stocks is recommended as they are considered defensive during economic uncertainty [2] - Suggested stocks include Carriage Services, Inc. (CSV), Lancaster Colony Corporation (LANC), Tyson Foods (TSN), and Molson Coors Beverage Company (TAP), all carrying a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy) [2] Company Profiles - **Carriage Services, Inc. (CSV)**: Expected earnings growth rate of 7.2% for the current year, Zacks Rank 2, beta of 0.91, and a dividend yield of 1.12% [12][13] - **Lancaster Colony Corporation (LANC)**: Expected earnings growth rate of 6.1% for the current year, Zacks Rank 2, beta of 0.31, and a dividend yield of 1.99% [14][15] - **Tyson Foods (TSN)**: Expected earnings growth rate of 22.6% for the current year, Zacks Rank 2, beta of 0.72, and a dividend yield of 3.26% [16][17] - **Molson Coors Beverage Company (TAP)**: Expected earnings growth rate of 6.5% for the current year, Zacks Rank 1, beta of 0.81, and a dividend yield of 3.07% [18][19] Investment Strategy - The recommended investment strategy focuses on low-beta stocks with high dividend yields and favorable Zacks Ranks [3]