“These stocks and the volatility are tied to some dynamics that are out of their control,” Boss added.
Nevertheless, investors who believe that the optimism among U.S. consumers could translate to improved sales during the upcoming holiday season can look to consumer sector-related ETFs. For example, one can look to broad consumer discretionary exposure through something like the Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR (NYSEArca: XLY), Vanguard Consumer Discretionary (NYSEArca: VCR) and Fidelity MSCI Consumer Discretionary Index (NYSEArca: FDIS).
For more focused exposure on the retail space, investors can use the SPDR S&P Retail ETF (NYSEArca: XRT) and the VanEck Vectors Retail ETF (NYSEArca: RTH) to access large retail stores.
Alternatively, given the rising importance of online retail or e-commerce in a digital age, the Amplify Online Retail ETF (NasdaqGM: IBUY) and ProShares Online Retail ETF (NYSEArca: ONLN) provide exposure to online retail outlets.
For more information on the consumer sector, visit our consumer discretionary category.