3 Defensive Sector ETFs a Retiree Can Buy and Hold for Decades

Groceries, prescriptions, and electricity keep getting paid even when retirement accounts are bleeding, but not every fund built around these necessities behaves the same way when markets crack.

24/7 Wall Street • Oct 28, 2026

Vanguard Consumer Staples ETF vs. iShares Consumer Staples ETF

Vanguard Consumer Staples ETF has a significantly lower expense ratio of 0.09% compared to 0.37% for iShares U.S. Consumer Staples ETF. iShares U.S. Consumer Staples ETF holds a more concentrated portfolio of 53 stocks, while Vanguard Consumer Staples ETF tracks 103 holdings.

The Motley Fool • Oct 27, 2026

The Consumer Staples Face-Off: Buy VDC for Growth, Hold KXI for Global Cash Flow

iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF provides global diversification, whereas Vanguard Consumer Staples ETF focuses exclusively on U.S. companies. Vanguard Consumer Staples ETF maintains a significantly lower expense ratio than the iShares fund.

The Motley Fool • Oct 22, 2026

Should You Invest in the Vanguard Consumer Staples Index Fund ETF Shares (VDC)?

Looking for broad exposure to the Consumer Staples - Broad segment of the equity market? You should consider the Vanguard Consumer Staples Index Fund ETF Shares (VDC), a passively managed exchange traded fund launched on January 26, 2004.

Zacks Investment Research • Oct 19, 2026

VDC: Consumer Staples Dashboard For October

The beverage industry remains the most undervalued subsector, though its value score has recently deteriorated. Vanguard Consumer Staples ETF (VDC) offers sector exposure with a broader portfolio, higher growth, and better long-term returns than XLP. VDC is well-suited for long-term and tactical positions, while XLP's higher liquidity favors short-term trades.

Seeking Alpha • Oct 18, 2026

Is Personal Preference is the Ultimate Tiebreaker Between These Two ETFs?

Fidelity MSCI Consumer Staples Index ETF offers a slightly lower expense ratio of 0.08% compared to 0.09% for the Vanguard fund. Vanguard Consumer Staples ETF is a significantly larger and older fund with $9.3 billion in assets under management.

The Motley Fool • Oct 15, 2026

Inflation Pressures May Persist: ETFs Worth Watching Now

From strong demand and AI spending to higher oil prices and war costs, multiple forces could keep inflation elevated for longer, putting ETFs in focus.

Zacks Investment Research • Sep 22, 2026

US holiday retail sales growth set to accelerate, Deloitte says

U.S. holiday retail sales are expected to grow by as much as 4.8% this year, Deloitte said on ​Thursday, as rising disposable incomes help support spending in ‌the crucial shopping season despite consumers' continued focus on value.

Reuters • Sep 10, 2026

These 5 ETFs Are Built for Bear Markets. History Says Now Is a Fantastic Time to Buy.

To brace against market pullbacks, add some defensive stocks or funds to your mix. Defensive industries include healthcare, utilities, and consumer staples.

The Motley Fool • Sep 11, 2026

Worried About Lingering Market Volatility? Defensive ETFs to Consider

Markets remain under pressure as geopolitical and economic risks rise. Defensive ETFs could help investors navigate volatility without abandoning growth.

Zacks Investment Research • Sep 9, 2026