Strong following for consumer stocks

AMID the volatility of the market, consumer stocks have been attracting investor interest. Consumer discretionary stocks are normally a defensive sector, as seen from the gains on the FTSE Bursa Malaysia Consumer Stock Index.

The consumer sector exhibited its defensive nature, with a 3.07% gain year-to-date with the attractiveness of its dividend yields and steady corporate results. Investors believe consumer counters are going to benefit from low commodity prices. The index hit its 52-week high of 616.10 on July 19, 2016.