Good morning :)
US Stocks Collections

US Low Beta Stocks: Leading US Low Beta Companies in 2026

The US Federal Reserve raised its policy rate by 25 basis points to a 3.75%–4.00% range on 16th September 2026, citing inflation that “remains elevated,” while midterm elections and geopolitical tensions have kept investors hunting for hedges. In markets like this, some investors look at stocks that have historically moved less than the broader market — the ones with a low beta. In this article, we cover US low-beta stocks that could hold up in this environment, along with an overview of the top low-beta companies.

List of US Low Beta Stocks 2026

US Low-Beta Defensive Stocks

Explore US low-beta defensive stocks that tend to be less sensitive to broader market movements, including companies across stable and essential industries. Analyse companies using beta, live share price, market cap, returns, valuation, profitability, and other key financial metrics.

Created by

@82600328260032

Showing 1 - 20 of 3036 results

last updated at 8:30 AM IST 
NameUS Stocks (3036)↓↓Sub-SectorSub-Sector↓↓Market CapMarket Cap↓↓Close PriceClose Price↓↓PE Ratio (TTM)PE Ratio (TTM)↓↓1M Return1M Return↓↓1D Return1D Return↓↓Return on EquityReturn on Equity↓↓PB RatioPB Ratio↓↓BetaBeta↓
1.Shell PLC ADRSHELOil & Gas IntegratedOil & Gas Integrated3,00,201.383,00,201.38105.80105.8011.6511.6512.6412.640.410.4114.3414.341.481.48-0.19-0.19
2.Petroleo Brasileiro Petrobras SA ADRPBROil & Gas IntegratedOil & Gas Integrated1,65,620.221,65,620.2225.6225.626.496.4923.4123.41-0.14-0.1430.2730.271.471.47-0.23-0.23
3.Petróleo Brasileiro S.A. - PetrobrasPBR.AOil & Gas IntegratedOil & Gas Integrated1,58,154.471,58,154.4722.9022.905.835.8320.9120.91-0.16-0.1630.2730.271.331.33-0.23-0.23
4.BP PLC ADRBPOil & Gas IntegratedOil & Gas Integrated1,27,208.461,27,208.4649.8549.8524.0924.0915.6615.660.410.418.878.871.901.90-0.20-0.20
5.PDD Holdings Inc.PDDInternet RetailInternet Retail1,16,191.851,16,191.8579.1779.179.189.18-1.47-1.470.620.6222.7522.751.691.69-0.05-0.05
6.Equinor ASA ADREQNROil & Gas IntegratedOil & Gas Integrated1,08,378.731,08,378.7346.4246.4212.5012.5011.0311.030.630.6321.2721.272.362.36-0.66-0.66
7.Northrop Grumman CorporationNOCAerospace & DefenseAerospace & Defense75,861.6675,861.66552.35552.3516.8616.868.338.332.442.4426.9626.964.094.09-0.11-0.11
8.argenx NV ADRARGXBiotechnologyBiotechnology54,693.2754,693.27890.05890.0533.1433.14-7.65-7.650.550.5523.6423.647.037.03-0.04-0.04
9.Woodside Energy Group LtdWDSOil & Gas E&POil & Gas E&P41,995.3041,995.3022.8722.8714.7714.772.602.60-3.02-3.027.687.681.171.17-0.16-0.16
10.Ecopetrol SA ADRECOil & Gas IntegratedOil & Gas Integrated36,347.1636,347.1617.0117.019.619.610.590.59-1.25-1.2515.9515.951.331.33-0.04-0.04
11.Elbit Systems LtdESLTAerospace & DefenseAerospace & Defense34,884.0634,884.06743.22743.2256.0156.01-0.21-0.210.070.0715.2415.247.907.90-0.30-0.30
12.Trip.com Group Ltd ADRTCOMTravel ServicesTravel Services25,377.1225,377.1239.5739.578.138.13-3.13-3.130.670.6715.6515.651.081.08-0.04-0.04
13.YPF Sociedad AnonimaYPFOil & Gas IntegratedOil & Gas Integrated19,909.5719,909.5749.1749.1726.7326.73-7.84-7.84-2.38-2.387.267.261.691.69-0.11-0.11
14.Ke Holdings IncBEKEReal Estate ServicesReal Estate Services19,837.2219,837.2217.3517.3530.1030.105.925.92-0.58-0.587.017.011.871.87-0.26-0.26
15.ZTO Express (Cayman) IncZTOIntegrated Freight & LogisticsIntegrated Freight & Logistics15,120.6315,120.6320.0620.0611.0511.051.111.110.930.9316.2816.281.551.55-0.19-0.19
16.Summit Therapeutics PLCSMMTBiotechnologyBiotechnology12,835.7912,835.7915.5515.55---9.17-9.17-1.71-1.71-192.51-192.5120.8220.82-1.52-1.52
17.RESOLUTION+MINERALS+LTD+SPON+ADS+EACH+REP+200+ORDRMLOther Industrial Metals & MiningOther Industrial Metals & Mining11,670.8111,670.814.354.35---21.34-21.34-4.59-4.59-122.14-122.14291.59291.59-0.11-0.11
18.Pearson PLC ADRPSOPublishingPublishing10,963.5010,963.5018.3918.3927.2227.2215.5215.521.351.359.169.162.142.14-0.05-0.05
19.Madrigal Pharmaceuticals IncMDGLBiotechnologyBiotechnology10,802.1010,802.10453.34453.34---12.62-12.62-1.01-1.01-53.31-53.3122.6322.63-1.05-1.05
20.Sasol LtdSSLSpecialty ChemicalsSpecialty Chemicals10,211.7310,211.7317.4617.4614.3514.3526.6126.617.817.818.838.830.880.88-0.26-0.26

Disclaimer: Please note that the above table is for informational purposes only, and is not recommendatory. Please do your own research or consult your financial advisor before investing. The data is derived from Tickertape Stock Screener and is subject to real-time updates.

Overview of the Top US Low Beta Stocks

Shell PLC ADR

Shell is a London-headquartered energy company with roots dating back to the 19th century. It explores and produces oil and natural gas, operates refineries, manufactures chemicals and sells fuels and lubricants worldwide. Shell is also a major supplier of liquefied natural gas (LNG), with businesses in EV charging, renewable power and other lower-carbon energy solutions.

PDD Holdings Inc.

PDD Holdings began operations in 2015 and runs two major e-commerce platforms, Pinduoduo and Temu. Pinduoduo connects shoppers with merchants in China through its group-buying model, while Temu serves international customers across several product categories. The company earns revenue mainly from online marketing services and transaction fees paid by merchants.

Petroleo Brasileiro Petrobras SA ADR

Petrobras was established in 1953 and is a Brazilian energy company involved in oil and gas exploration, production and refining. It operates major offshore fields in Brazil's Santos and Campos basins, including deepwater pre-salt reserves. Its US-listed PBR American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) represent common shares that carry voting rights.

Petróleo Brasileiro S.A. - Petrobras

Petrobras is one of Brazil's major oil and gas producers, with operations across offshore exploration, crude oil production, refining and fuel supply. Its PBR.A listing on the New York Stock Exchange represents preferred shares, which generally do not carry voting rights but offer certain dividend and capital reimbursement preferences.

BP PLC ADR

BP traces its origins to 1908 and is a London-headquartered energy company. It produces oil and natural gas, operates refineries and sells transport fuels and lubricants through brands such as Castrol. Its international businesses also include aviation fuel, convenience retailing, electric vehicle charging and bioenergy.

What are US Low Beta Stocks?

US low beta stocks are shares of NYSE- and NASDAQ-listed companies whose prices have historically moved less than the overall market. So what is a stock’s beta? It measures how sensitive a stock is to market swings, usually against the S&P 500: a beta of 1 means the stock tends to move in line with the index, a beta below 1 means smaller moves, and negative-beta stocks have tended to move in the opposite direction. Low beta stocks usually come from businesses with steady, predictable demand — regulated utilities, household staples, healthcare and waste services, for instance. Indian investors can access them through Tickertape’s US stock investing platform.

How to Evaluate and Invest in US Low Beta Stocks?

Here's how to invest in US low beta stocks from India, step by step:

  1. Log in or Create an Account: Visit Tickertape US Stocks and log in to your account. Create an account if you have not registered yet and complete the US investing account-opening process.
  2. Search for Low Beta Stocks: Use the Tickertape US Stock Screener and set the beta filter below 1 to generate a list of low beta stocks.
  3. Analyse the Stocks: Each stock page provides information such as the live market price, 52-week range, financial performance, peer comparison and recent news.
  4. Add Money to Your US Wallet: Connect an eligible bank account and transfer money to your US Wallet under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme.
  5. Place Your Order: Select the low beta stock you want to invest in and click on 'Buy' to place the order through Tickertape.

Taxation of US Low Beta Stocks for Indian Investors

Indian investors investing in US low beta stocks need to understand the tax implications associated with capital gains, dividend income and overseas investments.

Income / ActionHolding Period / ConditionTax Rate in the USTax Rate in India
Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG)Held for > 24 months0% (Taxed only in India under DTAA)12.5% (+ applicable surcharge & cess)
Short-Term Capital Gains (STCG)Held for < 24 months0% (Taxed only in India under DTAA)Taxed as per your applicable income slab rate

Advantages of Investing in US Low Beta Stocks

Lower Price Swings

By definition, a stock with a beta below 1 has historically moved less than the S&P 500 in either direction. This can mean shallower drawdowns during broad market sell-offs, although the same trait limits gains in strong rallies.

Steady Underlying Demand

US electricity consumption is forecast to hit a record 4,135 bn kWh in 2026 and 4,211 bn kWh in 2027, according to the EIA’s September 2026 Short-Term Energy Outlook. Demand for power, food and household essentials tends to hold up across economic cycles.

Regular Dividend Income

Many low beta sectors, such as utilities and consumer staples, have long histories of paying and raising dividends. Low beta stocks with high dividends can add an income component on top of price returns.

Regulated and Predictable Earnings

Regulated utilities earn returns that are approved by state commissions on the capital they invest. This makes their earnings more predictable than those of companies exposed to open-market pricing.

Portfolio Diversification

Low beta stocks tend to be concentrated in defensive sectors rather than the technology and growth names that dominate major US indices. They can add a different return pattern to a portfolio heavy in high-growth stocks.

Install the Tickertape app and enjoy a more hands-on investing experience
  • portfolio-iconReceive real-time market alerts for timely decisions
  • portfolio-iconMonitor your portfolio from the palm of your hands
  • portfolio-iconWatchlist stocks and mutual funds to stay updated

Risks of Investing in US Low Beta Stocks

Interest Rate Sensitivity

The Federal Reserve raised its target range to 3.75%–4.00% in September 2026. Dividend-paying defensive stocks are often compared with bond yields, so rising rates can weigh on their valuations.

Lagging in Bull Markets

A low beta cuts both ways. When the market rallies sharply, these stocks have historically tended to rise less than the index, which can lead to underperformance over long bull runs.

Beta Is Backward-Looking

Beta is calculated from past price data, usually over three to five years. A company’s beta can change as its business, debt levels or market conditions shift, so past low volatility doesn’t guarantee future stability.

Regulatory and Input-Cost Risk

Utilities depend on regulators approving rate increases, while consumer staples companies face swings in commodity costs such as cocoa, grains and packaging. Unfavourable decisions or cost spikes can squeeze margins.

Stock-Specific Risk

A low beta only captures a stock’s sensitivity to the overall market, not company-specific events. Lawsuits, earnings misses or management changes can still cause sharp moves in individual stocks.

Factors to Consider Before Investing in US Low Beta Stocks

Beta Calculation Period

Beta values vary depending on the benchmark and time frame used — a one-year beta can differ significantly from a five-year beta. Checking how the figure is calculated helps in comparing stocks on a like-for-like basis.

Sector Concentration

Low beta stocks cluster in a handful of sectors, mainly utilities, consumer staples and healthcare. A portfolio built only on beta can end up heavily exposed to one or two sectors and their specific risks.

Valuation

Defensive stocks can trade at a premium during periods of market stress, as investors crowd into them. Metrics such as the P/E ratio and dividend yield show whether the price already reflects that demand.

Dividend Sustainability

A high dividend yield is only useful if the company can keep paying it. The payout ratio, free cash flow and debt levels indicate whether a dividend is well covered.

Currency Impact

Returns for Indian investors depend on both the stock’s performance in US dollars and the INR/USD exchange rate. Currency movements can add to or offset the stability a low beta stock offers.

Key Growth Drivers for US Low Beta Stocks

Record Electricity Demand

The EIA expects US power generation to rise 2.2% to 4,368 billion kWh in 2026, driven by data centre development and higher manufacturing activity. This supports investment and rate-base growth for regulated utilities.

Grid Modernisation Spending

Utilities are investing heavily in transmission lines, substations and new generation to meet rising load. Regulated returns on this spending form a key source of long-term earnings growth.

Demand for Defensive Exposure

Elevated inflation, a rate hike in September 2026 and uncertainty around the US midterm elections have increased investor interest in hedging and defensive positioning. Periods like this have historically drawn attention to lower-volatility stocks.

Pricing Power in Staples

Leading consumer brands have been able to pass higher input costs to customers through price increases. This helps protect revenue and margins even when commodity costs rise.

Higher Trading Activity

Choppy markets typically lift options and equity trading volumes, which benefits exchange operators and market infrastructure companies that earn transaction-based fees.

How to Track US Low Beta Stocks From India on Tickertape?

You can track US low beta stocks and ETFs from India on Tickertape’s US Stocks & ETFs platform.

  1. Open US Stocks Screener: Visit the Tickertape US Stock Screener and explore companies listed on US exchanges.
  2. Filter by Beta: Apply the beta filter and set it below 1 to shortlist beta score stocks that have historically moved less than the market.
  3. Apply Filters: Compare companies using 60+ parameters, including market capitalisation, valuation ratios, dividend yield, profitability metrics and financial health measures.
  4. Analyse Company Metrics: Review individual stock pages to understand financial performance, revenue trends, margins, debt levels, price movements and other available insights.
  5. Create a Watchlist: Add selected low beta stocks to your watchlist to track price updates, company developments and performance changes from India.

Conclusion

US low beta stocks give Indian investors exposure to companies that have historically moved less than the broader US market, mostly regulated utilities, consumer staples, healthcare and essential-service businesses. Interest rates, regulatory decisions, input costs, dividend policies, and sector concentration shape their performance. Low volatility isn’t the same as low risk, though: these stocks can lag during strong rallies, and beta itself can change over time — factors worth weighing carefully before investing. Investors looking to analyse low beta companies can use the Tickertape US Stock Screener to compare stocks using 60+ unique filters across valuation, profitability, growth, financial health and other key metrics.

Frequently Asked Questions on US Low Beta Stocks

  1. What are US low beta stocks?

    In short, US low beta stocks are shares of US-exchange-listed companies with a beta below 1, meaning their prices have historically moved less than the S&P 500. They usually belong to low beta sectors such as utilities, consumer staples and healthcare.

  2. Who are the top 5 low beta companies?

    As of 22nd September 2026, the top 5 US-listed low beta companies include:

    1. Duke Energy Corporation
    2. Exelon Corporation
    3. CMS Energy Corporation
    4. Hershey Coli>
    5. Cboe Global Markets Inc


    Disclaimer: The information on this list of low beta stocks is for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Investors should conduct their own research before investing.

  3. What is the outlook for US low beta stocks in 2026?

    The picture is mixed. The EIA expects record US electricity consumption in 2026 and 2027, supporting utility investment, and uncertainty around the midterm elections has kept demand for hedges firm. On the other hand, the Fed’s rate hike to 3.75%–4.00% in September 2026 can pressure valuations of dividend-paying defensive stocks, making interest rates the key swing factor for the months ahead.

    Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Investors should conduct their own research before investing.

  4. What is a stock’s beta, and what are stocks with negative beta?

    Beta measures how much a stock’s price has moved relative to a benchmark index, usually the S&P 500. A beta of 1 means the stock tends to move in line with the market, and a beta of 0.5 means it has moved about half as much. Stocks with negative beta have tended to move in the opposite direction to the market, though such readings are rare and often don’t last.

  5. Are US low beta stocks risky for Indian investors?

    Low beta stocks are generally less volatile than the market, but they aren’t risk-free. They can fall on rising interest rates, regulatory setbacks or company-specific news, and they may lag during strong rallies. Currency swings between the INR and USD add a further layer of risk for Indian investors specifically.

  6. How can I compare US low beta stocks on Tickertape?

    You can use the Tickertape US Stock Screener to filter stocks by beta and compare them on metrics such as valuation, dividend yield, profitability, financial health and growth, all in one place. Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Investors should conduct their own research before investing.

  7. Can beginners invest in US low beta stocks?

    Beginners can invest in US low beta stocks through Tickertape after completing KYC and funding a US investing wallet. It helps to know going in that a low beta doesn’t eliminate losses — new investors should look at a company’s business, dividend history and valuation along with its beta before investing.

    Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Investors should conduct their own research before investing.

  8. How to invest in US low beta stocks from India?

    1. Create an Account: Sign up on Tickertape and complete the onboarding process.
    2. Explore Low Beta Stocks: Browse US-listed low beta companies using the Tickertape platform.
    3. Complete KYC: Submit the required documents to verify your identity.
    4. Link a Bank Account: Connect your bank account for fund transfers.
    5. Add Funds: Transfer money into your US investing wallet.
    6. Place an Order: Buy your selected low beta stocks directly from India.

  9. What are the advantages of investing in US low beta stocks?

    Low beta stocks have historically seen smaller price swings than the broader market, and many of them — particularly utilities and consumer staples — pay regular dividends. They can also diversify a portfolio away from the technology-heavy holdings that dominate major US indices.



    Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Investors should conduct their own research before investing.

  10. What is the difference between individual US low beta stocks and low volatility ETFs?

    Individual low beta stocks concentrate exposure in one company’s business, balance sheet and dividend policy, and a single stock’s beta can shift over time. Low volatility ETFs spread the same exposure across a basket of stocks and rebalance periodically, trading some single-company upside for broader diversification.

  11. What metrics are commonly used to evaluate US low beta stocks?

    Beta, standard deviation, maximum drawdown, dividend yield, payout ratio, P/E ratio, debt-to-equity ratio and free cash flow are the metrics investors most often reach for. For utilities, rate-base growth and regulatory outcomes add useful context.

    Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Investors should conduct their own research before investing.

  12. Do US low beta stocks pay dividends?

    Many US low beta stocks do pay dividends, especially utilities and consumer staples companies with long payout histories. Low beta stocks with high dividends can offer steady income, though dividend amounts are not guaranteed and depend on each company’s earnings and cash flow.

    Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Investors should conduct their own research before investing.

    Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. The content of the article, including securities/investment products mentioned, if any, should not in any manner be construed as investment advice, recommendation, offer, or solicitation to buy/hold/sell any securities/investment products. The securities quoted, if any, are for illustration only and are not recommendatory. Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related documents carefully before investing. Please consult a SEBI-registered financial advisor before investing.