Consumer staples stocks 2026: what’s going wrong?

Consumer staples stocks in 2026 are not behaving as expected. Russ Mould explains why traditionally defensive stocks are under pressure. In uncertain markets, investors often turn to consumer staples for stability. But this year, companies like Unilever and Reckitt Benckiser have struggled, despite rising geopolitical tensions and inflation concerns. In this video, AJ Bell’s Russ Mould explores what’s driving this shift—and what it could mean for investors.

What this video covers:

• Why consumer staples stocks are underperforming in 2026
• The impact of rising bond yields on defensive stocks
• How inflation and weaker consumer demand are affecting revenues
• The role of regulation and changing consumer behaviour
• Structural trends like GLP-1 drugs and premiumisation slowdown

What you’ll learn:

• Why “defensive” doesn’t always mean resilient
• Key risks facing UK and global consumer staples
• What to look for when assessing valuations and dividend yields

Consumer staples companies remain diverse, and performance can vary widely depending on strategy, cost control, and brand strength.

For investors, understanding valuation, earnings, and long-term demand trends remains essential.