ETFs for consumer goods – How to benefit from consumer staples

Thumbnail ETFs für Konsumgüter (1)_ENG

Author

Aleks Bleck

There is always demand for everyday consumer goods, even when the economy is struggling. This makes an ETF tracking such consumer goods an attractive investment! Here you can find out which ETFs are currently the best and which brokers offer the lowest fees for investing in them.

In brief

Consumer Staples are products such as food, beverages or hygiene products. They are always needed and are therefore hardly dependent on the economy.
An ETF for consumer staples is a sensible investment that performs particularly well in times of crisis.
These indices often include large, established brands, which significantly increases the security of a Consumer Staples ETF.
The expected return is solid and largely crisis-proof.

Rating

Costs

Interest

Bonus

hello world!

Contents Hide

1 An overview of the best consumer goods ETFs

2 4. State Street SPDR MSCI Europe Consumer Staples (SPYC)

3 The best brokers for consumer goods ETFs (in savings plans)

4 Why consumer goods?

5 In times of crisis, an ETF for consumer goods is a worthwhile investment

6 Industry outlook

7 Conclusion: A safe haven in times of crisis

8 FAQ – Frequently asked questions about ETFs for Consumer Staples

An overview of the best consumer goods ETFs

Here are our top picks for consumer goods ETFs suited to various investment strategies, sorted by fund size and focus:

1. Xtrackers MSCI World Consumer Staples (XDWS)

This ETF is the flagship for global diversification in the consumer staples sector. It invests exclusively in companies from developed industrialised nations, with US firms accounting for the largest weighting at around 63%, followed by the UK (approx. 8%) and Switzerland (approx. 6%). The focus is clearly on stable large- and mid-cap companies that manufacture everyday consumer goods. The largest holdings include US giants Walmart (11.37%), Costco Wholesale (9.32%) and Procter & Gamble (7.75%).

ISIN: IE00BM67HN09 / Ticker: XDWS
Focus: Global consumer staples (non-cyclical).
Costs (TER): 0.25% p.a.

2. iShares S&P 500 Consumer Staples Sector (IUCS)

For investors wishing to target the undisputed market power of US brands, this ETF is the first choice. It comprises the 35 leading sector representatives within the S&P 500 and thus focuses purely on large-cap US companies. Due to its focus on a single market, the concentration is very high: Walmart alone accounts for over 18% and Costco for around 15% of the portfolio. A major distinguishing feature is the extremely low total expense ratio (TER) of just 0.15% p.a., making it one of the most cost-effective products on the market. It is ideal for adding the high efficiency and pricing power of US brand manufacturers such as Coca-Cola or PepsiCo to your portfolio.

ISIN: IE00B435BG20 / Ticker: IUCS
Costs (TER): 0.15% p.a.
Key feature: Focuses on US market leaders such as Walmart and Costco.

3. Xtrackers MSCI World Consumer Discretionary (XDWC)

This ETF is the growth-oriented counterpart and invests globally in cyclical consumer goods, which benefit particularly from a strong economy. The portfolio is heavily weighted towards the US (74%) and also includes holdings from Japan (9%) and France (4%). The strategy focuses heavily on the giants of the platform economy and mobility: online retailer Amazon dominates with over 26%, followed by electric car manufacturer Tesla with around 15%. It covers both large- and mid-caps, offering access to 127 companies in the e-commerce, luxury and travel sectors. Its distinctive feature lies in the opportunity for above-average returns during recovery phases, coupled with higher volatility than in the benchmark sector.

ISIN: IE00BM67HP23 / Ticker: XDWC
Costs (TER): 0.25% p.a.
Key feature: Amazon as the largest holding, followed by Tesla and LVMH

4. State Street SPDR MSCI Europe Consumer Staples (SPYC)

This ETF is a good alternative for investors seeking a European counterbalance to US-heavy ETFs. Geographically, the UK dominates with around 35% and Switzerland with around 30%. The composition is extremely concentrated: Swiss food giant Nestlé holds a dominant position of almost 21%, followed by Unilever (11%) and British American Tobacco (10.5%). The ETF invests physically in large and medium-sized European companies known for high and rising dividends. A distinctive feature is the heavy weighting of the personal care and tobacco sectors, which makes it a very stable, almost defensive ETF.

ISIN: IE00BKWQ0D84 / Ticker: SPYC
Costs (TER): 0.18% p.a.
Key feature: Very high weighting of Nestlé and Unilever.

A comparison of consumer goods ETFs in table form

ETF Name	Ticker	Region	Largest shares	TER
Xtrackers MSCI World Staples	XDWS	World	Walmart, Costco, P&G	0,25 %
iShares S&P 500 Staples	IUCS	USA	Walmart, Costco, Coca-Cola	0,15 %
Xtrackers MSCI World Discr.	XDWC	World	Amazon, Tesla, Home Depot	0,25 %
SPDR MSCI Europe Staples	SPYC	Europa	Nestlé, Unilever, L’Oreal	0,18 %

Rating

Costs

Interest

Bonus

hello world!

The best brokers for consumer goods ETFs (in savings plans)

Choosing the right brokerage account has a significant impact on your long-term returns. By 2026, these three providers have established themselves as market leaders:

Trade Republic: The top recommendation for beginners and users who value a simple app interface. All ETF savings plans are permanently free, and you benefit from 2.00% interest p.a. on your balance. With the Trade Republic card, you can also have 1% cashback paid directly into your consumer goods ETF.
Scalable Capital: Ideal for investors seeking maximum choice, as over 3,000 ETFs are available here as free savings plans. The PRIME+ model offers 2.5% interest on your instant access savings and allows you to trade without order fees. Scalable has been operating as an independent bank since 2025, offering additional security.
Freedom24: The choice for professionals and yield-conscious savers. New customers can often benefit from bonus offers of up to 20 free shares, whilst the platform provides access to a vast selection of international trading venues.

Why consumer goods?

The term “consumer goods” typically encompasses food, drink, hygiene and personal care products, household goods and similar everyday essentials.

We need them regularly and would find it difficult to do without them. This is why they remain a lucrative investment even in times of crisis: even if inflation, a stock market crash or a war in Ukraine are raging, we still need to eat, drink and wash!

A consumer goods ETF therefore does not fall into the category of cyclical investments, as it tracks economic cycles only to a limited extent. This distinguishes such investment products from cyclical goods such as cars, travel or luxury items.

Investments always involve the risk of loss. The value of your investments
can go up or down. The forecast or past performance is no guarantee or
prediction of future results.
Do your own research or seek financial advice before making any invest-
ments. The WELCOME promotion is subject to Terms and Conditions. Gift
Shares are allocated randomly from a selection of eligible stocks, with high-
er-value shares awarded less frequently.

These are the kinds of expenses that households can usually postpone without difficulty and therefore prefer to defer until the economic outlook improves. As a result, such ‘consumer discretionary’ stocks suffer more severely in difficult times.

Furthermore, with a consumer goods ETF, we benefit from the quality of the companies it comprises: the sector is characterised by established, often very large companies that rank among the world’s best-known brands. Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Nestlé, L’Oréal, Danone, Heineken and other names have become an integral part of our daily lives.

In times of crisis, an ETF for consumer goods is a worthwhile investment

Consumer goods ETFs contain a vast number of securities that are highly regarded by shareholders. The number of dividend aristocrats is also enormous, which speaks to the quality of the sector.

Such well-established companies have long since conquered their respective markets and are in a secure position. Whilst it cannot be ruled out that even such heavyweights might come under pressure from new competitors or face financial difficulties, the likelihood is extremely low.

It is precisely in times of crisis that the advantages of this stability and market power become apparent. A consumer goods ETF is a particularly attractive investment during an economic downturn, as such products usually perform better than other sector ETFs.

This is partly due to the high brand loyalty of most consumers. Even when money is tight, few customers switch from their preferred brands to cheaper alternatives.

The companies are therefore less affected by economic cycles and generate solid profits even in difficult times. As investors in an ETF for such consumer goods, we in turn benefit from precisely this stability.

Industry outlook

The consumer goods sector largely comprises consumables that we drink, eat or use up and then have to replace. Demand therefore appears secure for the foreseeable future.

A healthy dose of innovation also keeps consumers happy. Whether it’s new flavours or sustainable products – there are always opportunities to boost consumption.

Household goods such as white goods (fridges, dishwashers, washing machines…) or leisure items also fall under the category of consumer goods. Due to their limited lifespan and regular updates, demand here remains strong.

However, emerging markets are likely to have the greatest influence on the sector: sales figures in India, China and other such markets are skyrocketing for many manufacturers, driven by a new middle class that is establishing itself and prioritising quality products. Anyone investing in this sector via a consumer goods ETF stands to benefit from massive growth in the coming years.

Current issues, such as high inflation and consumer uncertainty caused by wars, pandemics and supply bottlenecks, have little impact on consumer goods ETFs. The branded products included here are among the few goods for which consumers are willing to pay a higher price (due to inflation).

A psychological factor plays a very significant role in purchasing decisions here: the sense of quality, brand recognition and, consequently, security comes into play. Even if this impression is merely subjective, it ensures consistently high sales figures.

If you are also interested in other future-oriented ETFs, then read the articles on electric mobility ETFs, 3D printing ETFs, semiconductor ETFs or renewable energy ETFs.

Conclusion: A safe haven in times of crisis

Consumer goods are particularly popular in times of crisis and have a reputation for weathering downturns better. The performance of consumer goods ETFs impressively demonstrates that this reputation is well-founded!

Although their performance often fails to keep pace with a global index or other sector ETFs, particularly during strong upturns, these funds more than make up for this in difficult times.

In the current recession, consumer goods ETFs are delivering stable performance and often attractive returns, whilst other investments are struggling. Combined with the sector’s excellent future prospects, this makes consumer goods a sensible investment.

This is because companies benefit from customer brand loyalty, demand that remains almost unbroken even in times of crisis, and drastically rising sales figures in emerging markets.

For investors, the quality of the companies is also highly appealing: in this sector, we find established, large companies that wield considerable market power. They need hardly worry about their position and are therefore additional safe havens for our capital.

Last but not least, with consumer goods ETFs we benefit from very low costs (even by ETF standards). Investment options considered crisis-proof are often characterised by comparatively high fees – with a consumer goods ETF, however, investors can navigate the next crisis at a low cost.

FAQ – Frequently asked questions about ETFs for Consumer Staples

1. What are consumer staples?

Consumer Staples include food, beverages, hygiene and household items and more. We need them regularly and can hardly do without them. Therefore, even in times of crisis, their demand hardly decreases.

2. Is a Consumer Staples ETF a good idea?

A consumer staples ETF can be a sensible investment due to its crisis resistance and often solid returns. Although other industry ETFs offer the chance of higher profits, a consumer staples ETF makes sense for security-conscious investors.

3. Will a consumer staples ETF help against inflation?

Consumer Staples are currently proving to be highly inflation-proof, as customers continue to favour branded products despite price increases. In conjunction with their general crisis resistance, a Consumer Staples ETF can therefore be a good choice in the event of inflation.

4. Which Consumer Staples ETF is Best?

The three types of consumer staples ETF – global, US, Europe – each have their own advantages and disadvantages. US consumer staples ETFs have recently delivered the best returns, but are completely dependent on the US market.

5. Are ETFs for Consumer Staples safe?

A consumer staples ETF is considered crisis-proof because products from the companies it contains are hardly affected by a slump in demand. In addition, an ETF for consumer staples contains dozens of companies, so the risk is better spread.

6. Are Consumer Staples ETFs worth buying?

Consumer Staples ETFs can be a very lucrative investment in times of crisis. Even when the economy is booming, they generate solid returns – in these times, however, other investments and industry ETFs are often more profitable.

Sidebar Debitum Banner - EN Desktop

Sidebar Debitum Banner - EN mobile

The best instant access savings account alternatives in 2026

Aleks Bleck

Instant access savings accounts are practically dead: the current ECB base rate stands at just 2% in October 2025. So it’s no wonder that more and more savers are specifically looking for better alternatives. In this article, I’ll show you my personal alternatives to instant access savings accounts and how I use them to generate […]

Monefit vs. Bondora: Which platform is right for you?

Aleks Bleck

Investors on Go & Grow receive 6% interest, whilst Monefit promises its investors 7.5%. But is the new Go & Grow – following Bondora’s recent rebranding – still of interest to investors, or is Monefit currently the more attractive option? In today’s post, we’ll take a detailed look at both platforms and explain when each […]

Bondora Review: An Analysis of Finances, Risk and the Loan Portfolio

Aleks Bleck

With its performance in 2025, the Bondora Group can look back on its strongest year in the company’s history to date. The Group has recorded a sharp rise in profits, is taking important steps towards securing its target banking licence, and is strengthening its overall position in the highly competitive European lending market. At the […]