Investors can capitalize on lower oil prices and the direct benefit to Americans through consumer staples exchange traded funds with heavy exposure to companies that will benefit from the improved growth outlook.
The Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR (NYSEArca: XLP) rose 18.1% over the past year. XLP is up 0.6% year-to-date.
Goldman Sachs (NYSE: GS) analysts Judy Hong and Jason English have upgraded Kraft Foods (NYSE: KRFT), Clorox (NYSE: CLX), Dr. Pepper Snapple (NYSE: DPS) and Hershey (NYSE: HSY), arguing that the companies can leveraged to U.S. growth and will benefit from lower gas prices, reports Teresa Rivas for Barron’s.
XLP includes a 2.0% position in KRFT, 0.9% in CLX, 1.0% in DPS and 1.0% in HSY.
The lower gas prices could diminish input costs for corporate America and the diminished prices could drive demand for discretionary items. [Consumers, Staples ETFs Win in Low Gas Environment]
Gasoline pump prices have declined a record 110 consecutive days, with 18 states selling gas below $2 Thursday, reports Andrew Soergel for U.S. News.
“Cheaper gas prices have helped to improve the economy by boosting both consumer confidence and disposable income,” AAA spokesman Avery Ash said in a statement. “It would not be surprising for U.S. consumers to save $50 billion to $75 billion on gasoline in 2015 if prices remain low.”
The Hong and English also believe consumer staple product providers will be better off than secularly-challenged brick-and-motor peers. Additionally, the accelerating U.S. growth and stronger U.S. dollar could offset deflationary risks and problems in Europe.