Stocks that rise when the S&P 500 falls are weirdly keeping up with the rest of Wall Street

Stocks with negative beta—those that historically rise when the S&P 500 declines—have recently moved in line with broader market gains. Negative-beta stocks are typically utilities, consumer staples, and defensive sectors that investors traditionally use to hedge against market downturns. A strategist noted these stocks can provide a buffer during periods of market volatility. The performance diverges from the typical inverse relationship these securities maintain with the overall market.

Next story