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At close · Thu, Sep 3, 2026
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HomeEarningsPreviewsMarketBeat spotlights five defensive stocks ahead of C…

MarketBeat spotlights five defensive stocks ahead of CPI and Fed

The picks include McDonald's, Johnson & Johnson, Walmart, Berkshire Hathaway, and NextEra Energy, framed as stability and dividend plays before key rate and inflation events.

MarketBeat Ratings has highlighted five defensive stocks it says top analysts are emphasizing for clients ahead of upcoming CPI data and the Fed's rate decision.

The list includes McDonald's, Johnson & Johnson, Walmart, Berkshire Hathaway, and NextEra Energy, with the theme focused on stability and dividends during periods of market uncertainty, according to MarketBeat.

In the meantime, MarketBeat notes that McDonald's carries a Moderate Buy rating among analysts, even as the outlet says the other five names are viewed as better buys by top-rated analysts that it tracks.

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