4 Low-Beta Defensive Stocks to Buy as Consumer Sentiment Hits 4-Month Low

Rising inflation and fears of another interest rate hike have been worrying Americans. Consumers fear that another rate hike could further cripple their purchasing power amid rising prices of goods and services. Consumer sentiment dropped further in September on fears of a slowing economy. Markets have stayed volatile for most of August and September and could remain so for a longer period. We, thus, recommend buying four defensive stocks from the consumer staples sector, namely, The Coca-Cola Company KO, Philip Morris International Inc. PM, Mondelez International, Inc. MDLZ and Dole plc DOLE. Consumer Sentiment Drops The University of Michigan reported that its Consumer Sentiment Index dropped to a final reading of 48.1 in September from 51.