ETF Explainer: XLP

Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Fund

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 $11.2 billion Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLP), which tracks stocks representing the U.S. consumer staples sector. All the companies mentioned below are holdings in XLP, unless otherwise noted (*).

JUN 11 Strong third quarter results from Costco, followed by a double-digit increase in May sales, leads to a strong upward trend in June for the stock.

AUG 16 Walmart stock soars 9% on better-than-expected quarterly earnings and sales after seeing an increase in shoppers and time spent in-store, and a 40% jump in online U.S. sales during the quarter.

OCT 19 Shares of Procter & Gamble surge nearly 8%, its largest increase in a decade, on news that its quarterly profit and sales exceeded expectations, and that it would raise some product prices.

DEC 21 Philip Morris sees a multiday price decline after being downgraded by Credit Suisse,* while competitor Altria saw a decline after being downgraded by Citigroup.*

FEB 14 Coca-Cola forecasts disappointing growth of 4% for 2019 due to economic conditions and political uncertainty; its stocks see worst day in 10 years, falling 8%.

APR 24 Shares of Colgate-Palmolive rise nearly 4% after a positive quarterly earnings report, with profit and revenue ahead of expectations, and strong growth in its toothpaste and pet food brands.

Source: Bloomberg. Data for 05/31/2018 to 05/31/2019.