Zacks highlights four stocks amid declining consumer sentiment and inflation concerns

Consumer confidence is taking a hit, and folks are worried about inflation. The latest numbers show that people are feeling less optimistic than they did a couple of months ago. With inflation creeping up and the job market still looking strong, it’s got everyone on edge about what the Federal Reserve might do next.
Zacks is suggesting that now might be a good time to look into defensive stocks. These are the ones that usually hold up better when the market gets shaky. The stocks they mentioned all have solid ratings, which is a good sign. They’re in sectors like healthcare and utilities, which tend to be more stable.
The University of Michigan’s Consumer Sentiment index just came out, and it dropped a bit. It went from 74 in December to 73.2 in January, which is lower than what analysts were expecting. Plus, inflation expectations are on the rise, which isn’t helping the mood.
Inflation has been a rollercoaster lately. After a dip in the third quarter, it’s back up again. The consumer price index saw its biggest jump since last April. The Fed has been cutting interest rates, but rising inflation might slow that down. They’re now thinking there might only be two rate cuts this year.
So, if you’re looking for some stocks to consider, Zacks is pointing to four that could be worth your time. The Ensign Group is all about healthcare services, Cardinal Health is a big player in drug distribution, Atmos Energy deals with natural gas, and IDACORP is focused on electricity in Idaho and Oregon. Each of these companies has a good growth outlook and solid dividends, making them appealing options right now.