VDC vs. FTXG: Which Defensive ETF Is the Better Buy?

Vanguard's VDC and First Trust's FTXG are both defensive ETFs investing in consumer staples, but with different approaches. VDC offers broader diversification across 103 stocks with a lower 0.09% expense ratio and stronger 5-year returns, while FTXG concentrates on 30 food and beverage companies with a higher 2.59% dividend yield but higher 0.60% expense ratio. For most long-term investors, VDC is the more straightforward choice due to lower costs and better diversification.

07/28/2026, 6:28 AM • The Motley Fool

Everyone Said It Was Too Late to Buy This Stock. They Were Wrong.

Costco Wholesale has continued to outperform the S&P 500 by 459.6% over the last decade, despite repeated claims that its stock price run-up meant investors had missed the opportunity. The company maintains strong fundamentals with high membership retention rates (90%), growing same-store sales (6.6%), and increasing profitability (11.3% operating income growth). While the stock trades at a premium valuation (P/E of 47 vs. S&P 500's 32), Costco's continued expansion plans and consistent growth make it an attractive long-term investment opportunity.

07/26/2026, 6:05 AM • The Motley Fool

Should You Buy Amazon and Meta Platforms Stocks Before July 29?

The article recommends buying Amazon and Meta stocks ahead of their earnings reports on July 29-30. Amazon is expected to show accelerating AWS cloud revenue growth driven by AI infrastructure investments and strong e-commerce profitability from robotics and AI efficiency gains. Meta is shifting its AI narrative positively with cloud computing partnerships, custom chips, and improved ad performance, trading at attractive valuations compared to peers.

07/23/2026, 3:15 AM • The Motley Fool

Costco Stock: Next Stop $1,100?

Costco shares hit an all-time high of $1,094.32 in May but have fallen 14% since then. The stock would need to rise 17% to reach $1,100. While the company has strong fundamentals and a 126% trailing five-year return, its high valuation (P/E ratio of 47.2) suggests investors should wait for a pullback before buying.

07/22/2026, 6:16 AM • The Motley Fool

Prediction: Costco Will Join the $1 Trillion Club by 2033

Costco is predicted to reach a $1 trillion market cap by 2033, requiring 140% growth from its current $417 billion valuation. The company's durable membership model with 92%+ renewal rates, steady warehouse expansion of 30+ per year, and strong e-commerce growth of 20%+ provide multiple growth engines. However, valuation risks exist as the stock already trades at a premium multiple.

07/21/2026, 2:14 PM • The Motley Fool

If a Stock Market Crash Comes in July, You'll Still Rest Easy Knowing You Bought This Dividend Stock

Amid rising market concerns including inflation, geopolitical tensions, and potential rate hikes, Costco is presented as a recession-resistant investment. Despite its high valuation (47x trailing earnings), Costco's low beta, consistent revenue growth over 32 of the last 33 years, and membership-based profit model make it an attractive defensive stock for market downturns.

07/21/2026, 11:33 AM • The Motley Fool

If You'd Invested $1,000 in Costco Stock 20 Years Ago, Here's How Much You'd Have Today

A $1,000 investment in Costco stock 20 years ago would have grown to $17,790 without dividend reinvestment, or $26,130 with reinvested dividends, significantly outperforming the S&P 500's $6,030 and $8,832 respectively. While Costco's valuation metrics appear fairly valued to slightly overvalued with a forward P/E ratio of 41.7, the company continues strong growth with 12% revenue and 15% net income increases, making it suitable for long-term investors despite not being a bargain at current levels.

07/19/2026, 8:30 PM • The Motley Fool

Jackery FridgeGuard Now Available Exclusively at Costco, Offering Smart Refrigerator Backup Protection for Unexpected Outages

Jackery announced that its FridgeGuard, an ultra-slim refrigerator backup battery system, is now available exclusively at Costco. The device offers 15 hours of runtime, instant 10ms UPS switchover, and 1600W output to protect refrigerators during power outages. Priced at $549.99 for Costco members, FridgeGuard requires no installation and features a compact 2.6-inch profile, addressing the growing concern of power outages affecting U.S. households.

07/17/2026, 8:00 AM • GlobeNewswire

If You're Worried About a Market Crash, Here's the 1 Thing You Shouldn't Do, According to History.

With the S&P 500 facing valuation concerns and macroeconomic headwinds, the article advises investors not to sell during a market crash. Historical data shows that staying invested and holding through downturns leads to significant long-term gains. The article recommends building a defensive portfolio with dividend and stable stocks, and keeping cash reserves to buy at lower prices.

07/15/2026, 9:15 AM • The Motley Fool

Here's How Many Shares of Costco Stock You'd Need for $1,000 in Yearly Dividends

Costco raised its quarterly dividend to $1.47 per share (annual $5.88) for the 22nd consecutive year, requiring 171 shares to generate $1,000 in annual dividends. Despite a low 0.6% dividend yield, the company demonstrates strong fundamentals with 92%+ membership renewal rates, 14% membership growth over two years, and record 2025 sales of $275 billion. Recent stock weakness following profit-taking and disappointing earnings reports presents a buying opportunity for long-term investors.

07/15/2026, 7:19 AM • The Motley Fool

Costco Stock: Buy the Dip?

Costco shares declined following the company's monthly sales report, despite reporting a 10.6% increase in June sales. The article discusses whether this dip presents a buying opportunity for investors, noting that such opportunities are rare for Costco stock.

07/14/2026, 1:26 AM • The Motley Fool

Costco Could Be Poised for Major Gains Before 2030. Here Is Why Now May Be the Time to Buy.

Costco's membership model generates strong recurring revenue with 92.3% U.S./Canada renewal rates and 10.7% year-over-year membership fee growth. The company operates 931 warehouses globally with significant international expansion opportunities, maintains strong financial health with $13.3 billion in operating cash flow, and benefits from 21.5% e-commerce comparable sales growth. Despite premium valuation multiples, Costco's competitive advantages position it well for continued shareholder returns through 2030.

07/11/2026, 9:05 AM • The Motley Fool

Why Is Amazon so Much Cheaper Than Walmart and Costco? This Is the Only Answer I Can Think of.

Amazon trades at a lower forward P/E ratio than Walmart and Costco despite stronger growth prospects. The valuation gap reflects investor preferences: Walmart and Costco command premium multiples for predictable, bond-like earnings stability, while Amazon's lower multiple reflects uncertainty around massive AI and cloud infrastructure spending rather than weakness in its business fundamentals.

07/10/2026, 4:05 PM • The Motley Fool

PriceSmart Stock Eyes $220 as Chile Expansion Fuels Growth

PriceSmart is accelerating growth and outpacing peers with 12.5% revenue growth in fiscal Q3. The company plans to open six new clubs by spring 2027, including its first location in Chile, a lucrative market with significant growth potential. With strong comp sales growth of 10.7% and expanding margins, analysts project the stock could reach $220 by year-end, though valuation at 36x forward earnings remains elevated.

07/10/2026, 11:08 AM • Investing

Amazon vs. Walmart vs. Costco: Which Is the Smartest Buy for the Second Half of 2026?

The article compares three retail giants—Amazon, Walmart, and Costco—as investment options for the second half of 2026. While all three are solid long-term prospects, the author recommends Amazon as the smartest buy due to its lower valuation compared to peers, superior revenue growth, and ability to perform well in various economic environments through its e-commerce business and AWS cloud computing arm.

07/08/2026, 11:05 AM • The Motley Fool