Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
In the latest MSCI U.S. sector-index snapshots, information technology had higher volatility and a much deeper historical drawdown than consumer staples, but also higher Sharpe ratios over the measured periods. That is a historical trade-off, not a forecast or proof that staples are safe. To compare sectors fairly, first define the benchmarks, then compare matched periods and measures of volatility, losses, valuation, income, and concentration.
What counts as consumer staples or technology?
This comparison uses two MSCI indexes covering U.S. large- and mid-cap companies classified under the Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS): the MSCI USA Consumer Staples Index and the MSCI USA Information Technology Index. GICS is a classification framework maintained by MSCI and S&P Dow Jones Indices; its categories are reviewed to remain representative of global markets (S&P Dow Jones Indices’ GICS overview).
“Technology stocks” here means the GICS Information Technology sector, not every company commonly described as a tech business. Companies in other industries may sell technology products or services without being classified in Information Technology. Neither sector is a uniform type of company: an index’s results aggregate the companies included under its rules.
The MSCI profile dates are not exactly simultaneous: consumer staples data are as of August 31, 2026, while information technology data are as of September 30, 2026. Both indexes cover U.S. large- and mid-cap stocks, but the one-month difference matters when interpreting a snapshot comparison.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
How did the indexes compare on risk?
MSCI reports the following risk measures using monthly net total returns. Annualized standard deviation measures how widely returns varied; it does not capture the full experience of a severe loss. Maximum drawdown is the largest peak-to-trough decline over the index’s available history, and its dates show when that recorded decline occurred.
| Measure | MSCI USA Consumer Staples | MSCI USA Information Technology |
|---|---|---|
| Data as of | August 31, 2026 (MSCI) | September 30, 2026 (MSCI) |
| Annualized standard deviation, 3 years | 12.15% (MSCI) | 21.33% (MSCI) |
| Annualized standard deviation, 5 years | 13.64% (MSCI) | 23.34% (MSCI) |
| Annualized standard deviation, 10 years | 13.14% (MSCI) | 20.81% (MSCI) |
| Maximum drawdown over available history | 33.54%, December 31, 1998–March 31, 2000 (MSCI) | 81.10%, March 31, 2000–October 9, 2002 (MSCI) |
In these snapshots, information technology had higher reported volatility at each matching lookback and a substantially deeper worst recorded drawdown. The drawdown figures refer to different historical episodes; they are not a prediction of the next downturn, nor do they show that every company in either sector fell by the index amount. Both indexes are equity investments and can lose substantial value.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
What do the Sharpe ratios add?
MSCI’s annualized Sharpe ratios, using the same 3-, 5-, and 10-year horizons and snapshot dates above, were 0.38, 0.26, and 0.42 for consumer staples, compared with 1.36, 0.81, and 1.06 for information technology. A Sharpe ratio relates excess return to measured volatility, so the higher figures indicate stronger historical return per unit of measured risk for those windows. They do not erase technology’s higher absolute volatility or deeper drawdown.
MSCI’s Sharpe-ratio methodology uses EMMI EURIBOR 1M from September 1, 2021, and ICE LIBOR 1M before that date. A ratio depends on its risk-free-rate methodology as well as the period and return series, so comparisons are most useful when those conventions are understood.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
How do valuation, dividends, and index breadth differ?
The index profiles report these additional characteristics. P/E and forward P/E are valuation measures, not guarantees of future performance; dividend yield is a snapshot rather than a promised payout.
| Profile measure | Consumer staples (as of August 31, 2026) | Information technology (as of September 30, 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Price-to-earnings (P/E) | 23.67 (MSCI) | 38.36 (MSCI) |
| Forward P/E | 21.76 (MSCI) | 21.31 (MSCI) |
| Dividend yield | 2.41% (MSCI) | 0.51% (MSCI) |
| Number of constituents | 30 (MSCI) | 84 (MSCI) |
| Largest-holdings concentration | not stated in the cited MSCI profile | not stated in the cited MSCI profile |
These figures describe the index profiles at their respective dates. The constituent count alone does not establish how evenly an index is weighted, and a higher count does not by itself mean broader diversification across the economy.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Which sector had better returns?
The risk and profile statistics above do not provide matching annualized return figures for both MSCI indexes, so they cannot establish which sector returned more over the same periods. The Sharpe ratios do show that information technology had higher risk-adjusted results over the reported horizons, but they are not a substitute for a direct total-return comparison and do not establish what will happen next.
A separate SEC-filed Nasdaq supplement reports annualized returns for the Nasdaq-100 Technology Sector Index through June 1, 2026: 69.88% for one year, 32.46% for three years, 17.48% for five years, and 17.64% since January 4, 2021. The supplement’s corresponding S&P 500 figures were 28.56%, 21.66%, 12.58%, and 14.24%. These returns use a different benchmark construction and do not include a directly comparable consumer-staples index, so they should not be used to declare technology the winner in this sector comparison. Historical returns are not indications of future performance.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallBest Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
When you compare return figures yourself, check that both indexes use the same geography, capitalization range, currency, total-return or price-return treatment, fees, measurement date, and lookback. Total return includes reinvested distributions; price return does not. A difference in any of those choices can change the apparent ranking.
How to use the comparison in a portfolio decision
Choose a sector allocation based on the role it is meant to play in your overall plan, not on a single past-performance statistic. Consider how much loss you could tolerate, when you may need the money, and whether the rest of your portfolio is already exposed to the same companies or economic drivers.
Quick Recap
- For a shorter time horizon or low tolerance for losses: do not treat consumer staples as a substitute for lower-risk assets. The sector index still represents stocks and has recorded a material historical drawdown.
- For a growth-oriented allocation: weigh technology’s stronger historical Sharpe ratios against the higher volatility and much deeper recorded drawdown in these MSCI snapshots.
- For diversification: a sector fund can hold many companies yet remain concentrated in one industry sector. The SEC cautions that a mutual fund focused on a single industry does not necessarily provide instant diversification (Investor.gov, Beginners’ Guide to Asset Allocation, Diversification, and Rebalancing). Diversification across sectors and asset categories is a broader portfolio decision, and it does not guarantee against losses (Investor.gov, Asset Allocation and Diversification).
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
