ETF Explainer: VDC

Each month, we look at an ETF selected by ETF.com based on its performance and importance to investors. This month, we consider the performance of the $5.2 billion Vanguard Consumer Staples ETF (VDC), which has outperformed the broader market in recent months. All the companies mentioned below are holdings in VDC, unless otherwise noted (*).

MAY 16 Pepsi and other food and household brands reach all-time highs, outperforming the broader market, as uneasy investors turn to more dependable investments amid the China-U.S. trade talks.

JUL 30 Procter & Gamble stock jumps to an all-time high after it beats fourth quarter earnings expectations despite experiencing a net loss due to a write-down of its stumbling Gillette brand.

SEP 13 Altria stock falls sharply after the Trump administration cracks down on Juul. Altria had previously bought a 35% stake in the e-cigarette company.

NOV 6 Costco announces comparable sales data for October that indicates its comps accelerated for the month to 5.7%, helping to boost the company’s share price.

JAN 30 Mondelez International shares rise sharply after the company beats consensus earnings estimates for its fourth quarter, spurring multiple bullish analyst notes.

MAR 20 Coca-Cola announces it will not achieve its fiscal year expectations for 2020 due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, resulting in a steep share price decline.

Bloomberg; data for 4/30/2019 to 4/30/2020