3 Low-Beta Stocks to Buy for the September Effect

Market Overview - September is historically the worst-performing month for stocks, with an average negative return over the past 98 years [2] - The two months leading up to the presidential election have seen an average decline of 5.8% in the S&P 500 since 2008 [3] Economic Indicators - Recent economic data shows a softening economy, with the jobless rate rising to 4.3% and hiring slowing down [4] - The ISM manufacturing index has shrunk for five consecutive months, indicating a deep slump in factory activity [4] Investment Strategy - Investors are advised to focus on low-beta stocks, which are less volatile and have solid upside potential [5] - Low-beta stocks with positive earnings estimate revisions are considered to outperform the broader market [5] Stock Highlights - ServiceNow, Inc. (NOW): Beta of 0.98, Zacks Rank 2, expected earnings growth rate of 27.6%, shares up 18.4% year-to-date [6][10] - Interactive Brokers Group, Inc. (IBKR): Beta of 0.80, Zacks Rank 2, expected earnings growth rate of 18.4%, shares up 52.1% year-to-date [7][9] - Pilgrim's Pride Corporation (PPC): Beta of 0.82, Zacks Rank 1, expected earnings growth rate of 183.4%, shares up 64.4% year-to-date [10]