Economic Overview - U.S. consumer confidence dropped to 97.4 in August from 98.7 in July, indicating a decline of 1.3 points, with short-term expectations for income, business conditions, and employment also falling to 74.8 [4][5] - Concerns about the economy have been exacerbated by tariffs imposed by President Trump, which have raised inflation fears and impacted consumer confidence [5][6] - A weak labor market, characterized by slow job additions, has further fueled recession fears, despite low layoffs and unemployment rates [7] Investment Recommendations - Given the economic uncertainty, it is advisable to invest in low-beta defensive stocks from the utility and consumer staples sectors, which include Atmos Energy Corporation (ATO), Fortis, Inc. (FTS), Northwest Natural Holding Company (NWN), Ingredion Incorporated (INGR), and Carriage Services, Inc. (CSV) [2][10] - These stocks are characterized by a beta greater than 0 but less than 1, indicating lower volatility, and they also offer high dividend yields [3] Company Profiles - **Atmos Energy Corporation (ATO)**: Engaged in regulated natural gas distribution and storage, serving approximately 3.3 million customers across eight states. Expected earnings growth rate is 7.2% for the current year, with a beta of 0.75 and a dividend yield of 2.09% [8][9] - **Fortis, Inc. (FTS)**: Operates in the electric and gas utility sector, primarily in Canada and the Caribbean. Expected earnings growth rate is 4.6% for the current year, with a beta of 0.48 and a dividend yield of 3.57% [10][11] - **Northwest Natural Holding Company (NWN)**: Focuses on natural gas distribution systems and pipeline projects, serving residential, commercial, and industrial customers. Expected earnings growth rate is 25.3% for the current year, with a beta of 0.59 and a dividend yield of 4.72% [12][13] - **Ingredion Incorporated (INGR)**: Provides ingredient solutions specializing in nature-based sweeteners and starches, serving various sectors. Expected earnings growth rate is 6.7% for the current year, with a beta of 0.77 and a dividend yield of 2.47% [14] - **Carriage Services, Inc. (CSV)**: A leading provider of death care services in the U.S., offering a range of funeral and burial services. Expected earnings growth rate is 23.4% for the current year, with a beta of 0.86 and a dividend yield of 1.03% [15][16]

Core Insights - Major U.S. stock indices experienced a decline of nearly 1% on August 5, 2025, due to weaker-than-expected services data and ongoing tariff uncertainties, particularly with Trump threatening tariffs as high as 250% on pharmaceuticals [1][10] - Despite market volatility, low-leverage stocks are highlighted as safer investment options during economic uncertainty, with specific companies recommended for their strong earnings growth and low debt levels [2][10] Market Overview - The U.S. stock market is currently facing challenges due to tariff-related uncertainties and weaker economic data, leading to a lack of confidence among investors [2][10] - The recent wave of corporate earnings that exceeded estimates has been overshadowed by tariff concerns, impacting overall market optimism [1] Investment Strategy - Investors are advised to consider low-leverage stocks as a protective measure against potential economic downturns, with a focus on companies that exhibit solid earnings growth and lower debt-to-equity ratios [6][9] - The debt-to-equity ratio is emphasized as a critical metric for assessing financial risk, with lower ratios indicating better solvency [7][9] Recommended Low-Leverage Stocks - **NatWest Group (NWG)**: Collaborating with Google Cloud to enhance growth, with a projected 20.1% sales improvement for 2025 and a long-term earnings growth rate of 10.9% [15][16] - **Zions Bancorporation (ZION)**: Reported a 9% year-over-year increase in net interest income, with a 5% expected earnings growth for 2025 [17][18] - **Luxfer Holdings (LXFR)**: Achieved a 5.8% increase in adjusted net sales and a 25% rise in adjusted earnings per share, with a long-term earnings growth rate of 8% [19][20] - **Kingstone Companies (KINS)**: Declared a quarterly cash dividend, indicating strong financial health, with a projected 37.9% improvement in both sales and earnings for 2025 [21][22] - **Ingredion Inc. (INGR)**: Reported a 1% increase in adjusted operating income, with a long-term earnings growth rate of 11% and a 1% sales improvement expected for 2025 [23][24]

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]

Economic Overview - Consumer confidence index declined to 93 in June, a 5.4-point drop from May's 98.4, and significantly lower than the expected rise to 100 [4][10] - Concerns over job availability and uncertainty regarding President Trump's tariffs contributed to the decline in consumer confidence [5][10] - The labor market differential fell to 11.1 in June from 12.7 in May, marking its lowest point in four years [5] Investment Recommendations - It is advisable to invest in safe-haven defensive stocks from the utility and consumer staples sectors, including Atmos Energy Corporation (ATO), NiSource Inc. (NI), Fortis, Inc. (FTS), Ingredion Incorporated (INGR), and Altria Group, Inc. (MO) [2][10] - These stocks are categorized as low-beta (beta greater than 0 but less than 1) and are expected to provide high dividend yields along with favorable Zacks Ranks [3][10] Company Profiles Atmos Energy Corporation (ATO) - Engaged in regulated natural gas distribution and storage, serving approximately 3.3 million customers across eight states [9] - Expected earnings growth rate of 6% for the current year, with a Zacks Rank 2 and a current dividend yield of 2.22% [11] NiSource Inc. (NI) - Provides natural gas and electricity to around 3.7 million customers in six states, with one of the largest natural gas distribution networks in the U.S. [12] - Expected earnings growth rate of 7.4% for the current year, with a Zacks Rank 2 and a current dividend yield of 2.76% [13] Fortis, Inc. (FTS) - Operates in the electric and gas utility business, primarily in Canada, the U.S., and the Caribbean [14] - Expected earnings growth rate of 3.4% for the current year, with a Zacks Rank 2 and a current dividend yield of 3.76% [15] Ingredion Incorporated (INGR) - Specializes in nature-based sweeteners, starches, and nutrition ingredients, serving various sectors [16] - Expected earnings growth rate of 6.1% for the current year, with a Zacks Rank 2 and a current dividend yield of 2.33% [17] Altria Group, Inc. (MO) - Evolving beyond traditional cigarettes into the smokeless category due to rising health consciousness and regulatory pressures [18] - Expected earnings growth rate of 4.9% for the current year, with a Zacks Rank 2 and a current dividend yield of 6.81% [19]