Estimate Time4 min

Can consumer stocks continue their run?

Key takeaways

  • The consumer discretionary sector has posted roughly twice the gains of the S&P 500® so far this year, as the economy has bucked expectations by continuing to grow.
  • That’s unusual leadership for this phase of the business cycle, when it’s more common for discretionary stocks to lag.
  • Some retailers have relatively defensive business models, and have also recently traded at attractively low valuations—contributing to a positive potential outlook.

The consumer discretionary sector is perhaps one of the best examples of what an odd year 2023 has been so far for the stock market.

As its name suggests, the sector encompasses companies that sell nonessential goods and services to consumers—think “wants,” not “needs,”—like clothes, new cars, and cruise trips. Because these are precisely the types of goods and services that customers tend to cut back on first in a pinch, the sector typically lags when the economy slows and recession risk rises (Fidelity researchers believe that the US economy is in the late cycle, not recession, but that recession risk has increased).

Yet instead of lagging, the sector has surged, gaining about twice as much as the S&P 500 year to date through late September (though remember that past performance is no guarantee of future results).

Chart shows year-to-date performance of S&P Consumer Discretionary Select Sector Index, which has gained 24.61%, versus year-to-date performance of S&P 500, which has gained 11.68%.
Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Consumer discretionary sector performance is represented by the S&P Consumer Discretionary Select Sector Index. Data as of September 30, 2023. Source: S&P Dow Jones Indices, a division of S&P Global.

In part, that’s been due to the same macro themes that have driven the stock market higher this year (in spite of the sense of pessimism in the air). The economy has continued to expand this year, inflation has slowed, the Fed may be nearing the end of its interest-rate-hiking cycle, and the chances of a soft landing may have improved—all of which are generally good for consumers.

And in part it’s been due to unique issues impacting some of the largest companies in the sector. The 2 largest constituents in the sector, by a wide margin, are Amazon () and Tesla (), both of which have experienced extremely strong gains so far this year as mega-cap, tech-related stocks have surged. Both companies have also been seen as potential investing plays on artificial intelligence, and both have reported some strong results during the year.

Sign up for Fidelity Viewpoints weekly email for our latest insights.


A mixed near-term outlook

Looking ahead, one key question that may impact the sector is whether this economic cycle may shift to look more like a “typical cycle.” If the economy were to slow further or enter recession, the sector could lag. On the other hand, that could set the sector up for outperformance during an eventual recovery, as consumer discretionary stocks have historically tended to lead the market when the economy shows the first signs of improvement, known as the early-cycle phase. And it’s also possible that this unusual market cycle will continue to buck expectations and historical patterns.

On a more fundamental level, these companies do face some near-term challenges. Consumers remain pressured by persistent inflation and high interest rates. And companies’ pricing power has softened as the supply-chain disruptions of the past few years have eased.

Potential opportunity among some retailers

That said, these setbacks are already priced into the stocks in many cases, and reflected in low price-earnings ratios, particularly among retailers across a variety of segments. And some of these companies have defensive aspects to their business models, which could be an advantage if the economic outlook worsens.

Consider, for example, the operating model of The TJX Companies (), whose businesses include TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and HomeGoods. While excess inventories may be a negative for traditional retailers, it can be an advantage for the business model of TJX, which buys up excess inventory from name-brand retailers, to then sell at its low-cost stores. And because low price points are already built into the company’s business model, it may have a degree of insulation against further economic slowing (which can lead consumers to trade down, from higher-priced stores to lower-priced stores).

Fund top holdings1

Top-10 holdings of the Fidelity® Select Consumer Discretionary Portfolio () as of August 31, 2023:

  • 25.3% – Amazon.com Inc. ()
  • 13.9% – Tesla Inc. ()
  • 4.9% – Home Depot Inc. ()
  • 4.8% – Lowes Cos. Inc. ()
  • 4.4% – TJX Companies Inc. ()
  • 3.0% – Nike Inc. ()
  • 2.8% – Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. ()
  • 2.4% – The Booking Holdings Inc. ()
  • 2.3% – McDonald's Corp. ()
  • 2.2% – Aptiv PLC ()

(See the most recent fund information.)

Another example has been Lowe’s () the home-improvement retailer. While there has been some softening of consumer spending on do-it-yourself projects (after surging during the pandemic), there are positive long-term factors that could help support this segment. Low housing availability and high interest rates may have many consumers looking to stay put—and turn their attentions to improving the homes they already own—rather than moving. And an aging housing stock and aging population could help drive longer-term demand for home repairs, maintenance, and upgrades.

An emphasis on the long-term outlook

As of early October, there are reasons for near-term caution on the economic and consumer backdrop. However, as sector portfolio manager, my focus remains on the longer term. Fortunately, the consumer discretionary sector continues to offer pockets of attractively valued stocks, where Fidelity's research insights can help us uncover those companies with strong risk-reward profiles and long-term growth potential.

Research stocks, ETFs, or mutual funds

Get our industry-leading investment analysis, and put our research to work.

More to explore

Sector ideas

Get more investing ideas and sector insights.
Before investing, consider the funds' investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses. Contact Fidelity for a prospectus or, if available, a summary prospectus containing this information. Read it carefully. 1. Any holdings, asset allocation, diversification breakdowns or other composition data shown are as of the date indicated and are subject to change at any time. They may not be representative of the fund's current or future investments. The Top Ten holdings do not include money market instruments or futures contracts, if any. Depository receipts are normally combined with the underlying security. Some breakdowns may be intentionally limited to a particular asset class or other subset of the fund's entire portfolio, particularly in multi-asset class funds where the attributes of the equity and fixed income portions are different. Under the asset allocation section, international (or foreign) assets may be reported differently depending on how an investment option reports its holdings. Some do not report international (or foreign) holdings here, but instead report them in a "Regional Diversification" section. Some report them in this section in addition to the equity, bond and other allocation shown. Others report international (or foreign) holding as a subset of the equity and bond allocations shown. If the allocation without the foreign component equals (or rounds to) 100%, then international (or foreign) is a subset of the equity and bond percentage shown.

Views expressed are as of the date indicated, based on the information available at that time, and may change based on market or other conditions. Unless otherwise noted, the opinions provided are those of the speaker or author and not necessarily those of Fidelity Investments or its affiliates. Fidelity does not assume any duty to update any of the information.

References to specific securities or investment themes are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as recommendations or investment advice. This information must not be relied upon in making any investment decision. Fidelity cannot be held responsible for any type of loss incurred by applying any of the information presented. These views must not be relied upon as an indication of trading intent of any Fidelity fund or Fidelity advisor. Investment decisions should be based on an individual's own goals, time horizon, and tolerance for risk. This piece may contain assumptions that are "forward-looking statements," which are based on certain assumptions of future events. Actual events are difficult to predict and may differ from those assumed. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will materialize or that actual returns or results will not be materially different from those described here.

Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

Investing involves risk, including risk of loss.

Stock markets are volatile and can fluctuate significantly in response to company, industry, political, regulatory, market, or economic developments. Investing in stock involves risks, including the loss of principal.

Because of their narrow focus, sector investments tend to be more volatile than investments that diversify across many sectors and companies.

The consumer discretionary industries can be significantly affected by the performance of the overall economy, interest rates, competition, consumer confidence and spending, and changes in demographics and consumer tastes.

The S&P 500® Index is a market capitalization-weighted index of 500 common stocks chosen for market size, liquidity, and industry group representation to represent US equity performance. The S&P Consumer Discretionary Select Sector index comprises those companies included in the S&P 500 that are classified as members of the consumer discretionary sector, with capping applied to ensure diversification among companies within the index.

Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC, Member NYSE, SIPC, 900 Salem Street, Smithfield, RI 02917

1108733.2.0