Vanguard Consumer Staples Fund Price & Performance (VDC)

The Fear & Greed Index has plunged into "Extreme Fear," its lowest in a year, alongside a 20% surge in the VIX. Indicators like the Buffett Indicator, now at 211%, signal potential overvaluation. Defensive ETFs are gaining traction as investors prepare for possible market turbulence.123

Consumer staples ETFs, such as XLP and VDC, are outperforming as recession fears rise. These funds benefit from resilient sectors like household goods and food. With tariffs adding pressure, defensive investments are attracting those seeking stability amid market volatility.456

Defensive sectors, including consumer staples, healthcare, and utilities, are outperforming the S&P 500, which is down 1.6% YTD. Investors are rotating away from tech and discretionary stocks, favoring ETFs like XLP and XLV for lower volatility and consistent returns.789