- Consumer-staple stocks have been a beacon of strength this year as the market has faltered.
- Still, UBS says it’s not immune to a tariff-driven deterioration of the macro landscape.
- The firm pointed to five stocks it says are well-positioned to weather an economic storm right now.
Trump’s tariffs have tripped up the stock market — but there are a handful of names in the consumer-staples sector well-positioned to ride out a period of trade war uncertainty, according to UBS.
The sector as a whole has fared well in 2025, making it the best performer in the S&P 500 and one of just two groups to post and increase at all. As Trump’s tariffs have roiled the discretionary sector, staples have lived up to their billing as a defensive haven.
But even staples won’t be immune from trade-war pressures, which has UBS seeking single-stock opportunities within the group.
The firm highlighted five names in particular that are poised to weather the near-term storm:
Coca-Cola Co. (KO)
Rating: Buy
Last closing price: $73.00 (+18% YTD)
UBS analysts say: "Although investors have become somewhat concerned on the fundamental trajectory given slightly weaker US tracked trends performance as well as unfavorable commentary from others on certain key international markets, our discussions with investors would suggest that KO is still well liked."
Keurig Dr. Pepper Inc. (KDP)
Rating: Buy
Last closing price: $35.40 (+11% YTD)
UBS analysts say: "KDP remains one of the few where there appears to be little risk to bottom line estimates for now … we think the risk/reward skews to the upside."
Celsius Holdings Inc. (CELH)
Rating: Buy
Last closing price: $37.24 (+37% YTD)
What analysts have to say: "Our conversations with investors would suggest sentiment has improved considerably and that CELH has become one of the more well liked names in our coverage universe."
Monster Beverage Corp. (MNST)
Rating: Neutral
Last closing price: $58.41 +(12% YTD)
What analysts have to say: "We suspect MNST may be viewed as one of the few stocks that remains ownable this earnings season … we think the risk/reward is balanced looking out longer term."
Church & Dwight Co. Inc. (CHD)
Rating: Neutral
Last closing price: $105.37 (+1% YTD)
What analysts have to say: "Our conversations suggest that sentiment on CHD has shifted more constructive in recent weeks, despite unfavorable valuation, as many view the company as a potential beneficiary in a trade-down scenario if the consumer remains under pressure."