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Over the last month, US benchmarks are down again as utility stocks and other consumer staples quickly become the only bright spot for investors in a bear market.
Capital.com analyst Piero Cingari said, “There have been no positive returns in any sectors of the S&P 500 (US500) since the beginning of June, while Healthcare (XLV), Utilities (XLU), and Consumer staples (XLP) declined the least, slipping just 2.4%, 2.5%, and 6.2%, respectively.”
“This is an indication that investors are shifting towards sectors that might benefit during economic downturns or even in a recession,” he continued. “Investors will favour defensive stocks over cyclical sectors in the coming months.”

“On the other hand, the traditional cyclical sectors, which are more vulnerable to growth, have had a very negative month,” Cingari added.
What are cyclical stocks?
Cyclical stocks are shares of companies whose business models rely on a robust economy like restaurants and hotels, retail, travel and leisure.

“Since the beginning of June, Energy (XLE) has been the worst performer, sinking 15%, followed by materials (XLB), down 14% and financials (XLF), with a 10% drop,” Cingari said.
“Natural gas prices dropping from a peak of $9.3 per MMBtu to the current $6.5 per MMBtu have caused substantial damage to the energy sector, which had been profiting from rising gas prices,” he went on. “As a result, the market continues to price in a US recession, while equities performance trends in that direction.”
Wall Street Today: Dow and Nasdaq 100 post session wins, S&P loses again
The Dow Jones Industrial Average (US30) added 80 points, or 0.26%, while the Nasdaq 100 (US100) rose 0.18%, and the S&P 500 (US500) went 0.07% lower.
S&P 500 (US500 price chart
Commodities: Oil at $109 a barrel
Oil futures were higher as West Texas Intermediate slipped 1.97% to $109.56 a barrel.
What is your sentiment on Oil - Crude?
In the energy sector, shares of Chevron (CVX) fell 2.01%, ConocoPhillips (COP) lost 3.95%, and Occidental Petroleum (OXY) went 4.21% lower.
US Crude Oil price chart
Meanwhile, Gold futures lost 0.07% to $1,819.90 an ounce on Wednesday.
Gold Spot price chart