What if you invested monthly in a Consumer-staples sector ETF (XLP) for 15 years?
This scenario invests a fixed USD amount every month in a U.S. consumer-staples sector ETF (XLP) from July 2011 to July 2026 — 15 years of dollar-cost averaging. It compares this low-volatility defensive sector's performance and drawdowns against the S&P 500.
Investment conditions
Asset · Consumer-staples sector ETF (XLP)
Method · Recurring monthly investment
Period · 2011-07-01 ~ 2026-07-01
Amount · $222 / month
As of · 2026-07-01
Key metrics
These results do not reflect taxes. Based on historical data.
Risk & recovery
As important as returns. This service does not hide maximum drawdown or loss periods.
Maximum drawdown (MDD)
-24.0%
Largest drop from peak
Longest loss period
3months
Months in loss: 3
Recovery period
4months
Growth over time
Invested principal (dashed) and portfolio value (solid). Values below match the calculation.
Total invested $40,222 → Final value $78,472 (+95.1%), Maximum drawdown (MDD) -24.0%
Why this period and asset
XLP holds makers of food, beverages, and household goods that people buy regardless of the economy. From 2011 to 2026 the sector played a defensive role with relatively low volatility and steady dividends, though it was often overlooked during the growth-led rallies of the later years.
Interpreting the result
Consumer staples is classed as a defensive, low-volatility sector. Investing monthly for 15 years spreads your entry points, and drawdowns tend to be shallower than in other sectors. Still, in broad market selloffs this sector also experiences a maximum drawdown with a loss period and recovery period. Versus the S&P 500 it lags in bull markets and cushions in bear markets, tracing a smoother path than the index.
Caveats & limits
Low volatility does not mean no loss. Defensive sectors still carry single-company risk and shifts in consumer trends. Past performance does not guarantee the future, and expense ratios, commissions, taxes, and currency moves affect results. This scenario does not recommend buying any sector.
Data sources & limits
- Price data source: Yahoo Finance / FinanceDataReader
- Collected on: 2026-07-23
- Effective trading date: 2026-07-01
- Price basis: Adjusted close (reflects dividends and stock splits)
- Trading fees and taxes are not reflected — figures are pre-tax.
- Based on historical data; does not guarantee future returns.
Frequently asked questions
With low volatility, can I avoid losses in staples?
No. Drawdowns are relatively shallow, but in market selloffs this sector still suffers a maximum drawdown and a loss period.
Why does it lag the index in bull markets?
Growth-led rallies tend to sideline defensive, low-volatility sectors. In downturns, however, it tends to cushion.
Do steady dividends guarantee returns?
Dividends are one part of return, not a guarantee. Dividend policy can change, and price drawdowns occur separately.
Related scenarios
📋 Results are based on historical data; past returns do not guarantee future returns.
📋 This service is provided for educational purposes to help you understand investing, not as investment advice.