Certain sectors like food, health care, and utilities saw gains in a volatile market

From Yahoo Finance: 2025-04-04 12:22:00

This week, Wall Street saw red numbers, except for certain sectors like food, health care, and utilities that gained ground amidst trade war fears. Investors sought safer havens like food, personal care, utilities, and health care companies. Some companies that posted gains include Conagra, Procter & Gamble, and American Water Works.

Companies in food, personal care, and household items expect higher costs from tariffs, but their products are considered essential and harder to cut from budgets. Stocks like Conagra, Clorox, and Church & Dwight managed to post gains in a tumultuous market.

Electric, gas, and waste disposal companies are considered essential services and tend to hold up in shaky economies. Stocks like American Tower, Exelon, and Consolidated Edison saw gains this week, as investors sought safer options amid market volatility.

Health care companies, including Molina Healthcare and UnitedHealth Group, are viewed as necessities and more resilient in uncertain times. Investors flocked to these sectors for stability, as concerns about tariffs and economic slowdowns persisted.

Grocery stores, discount retailers, and fast-food chains are also considered resilient in tough economic times. Companies like Kroger, Dollar General, and McDonald’s saw gains this week, as consumers shifted spending to lower-cost options amid market uncertainty.

Read more: Believe it or not, there are some winners in the stock market this week