Consumer Staples Becomes a Safe Haven as AI Momentum Slows

Investors are drifting back to staple producers as momentum fades in other parts of the market. Capital is flowing into consumer packaged goods, a group that has repeatedly weathered market volatility better than most. The shift resurfaced after Trump’s tariff shock, reinforcing how Big Food often steadies portfolios when high-growth bets start to crack.

• General MillsGIS
  , Campbell’sCPB
  , HersheyHSY
  , and J.M. SmuckerSJM
  all rose in 2022, even as the S&P fell ~25%.
• Still, many food makers are down over the past three years, even as the S&P 500 climbed 79%, weighed down by healthier eating trends, weight-loss drugs, and growing private-label competition.

Selective pickings: Some investors are turning to geographic exposure at MondelezMDLZ

and NestléNSRGY

, or product pivots at Coca-ColaKO

. Household staples like Procter & GamblePG

and Kimberly-ClarkKMB

avoid food trend risk altogether, while McCormickMKC

stands apart as it benefits from more home cooking and a shift toward fresher meals. Staples may still offer shelter — but only a few look truly stormproof.