Dow Outperforms S&P and Nasdaq with Steady Earnings from Consumer-Facing Stocks

The Dow Jones Industrial Average is outperforming both the S&P 500 and Nasdaq in 2026, thanks to steady earnings and strong brands from consumer-facing companies. One such company is Procter & Gamble (PG), which has a portfolio of daily habits that generate cash and return it to shareholders through dividends and buybacks.

Procter & Gamble's fiscal 2026 saw net sales grow 3% to $87 billion, with organic sales increasing 1% and core EPS rising 1% to $6.89, despite flat volumes and higher costs.

Another Dow stock, McDonald's (MCD), is dealing with a tougher consumer backdrop but still reported strong results in its second quarter of 2026, with global comparable sales up 1.3%, U.S. comps edging up 0.8%, and systemwide sales rising 5% to $37 billion.

Home Depot (HD) is also performing well, with sales of $41.8 billion in its first quarter of fiscal 2026, a 4.8% increase from the previous year, and adjusted EPS beating expectations at $3.43.