# Consumer Staples Post Third-Best 16-Session Start to a Month Since 1990 By Enna Lee Canonical URL: https://www.tokenpost.com/news/investing/39593 Published: 2026-10-24T03:34:01.000Z Updated: 2026-10-24T03:34:01.000Z Section: Investing > The 11.1% gain through October’s first 16 trading sessions trails only comparable starts in October 1998 and February 1991. U.S. consumer staples gained 11.1% during October’s first 16 trading sessions, giving the sector its third-strongest opening stretch of any month in a historical comparison dating to 1990. Among comparable 16-session periods, the largest gains came in October 1998, at 14.61%, and February 1991, at 11.16%. Because the measure stops after 16 sessions, it is not October’s full-month result. Staples and health care led S&P 500 sectors during Thursday’s technology selloff, when AI-linked shares weakened and [defensive groups attracted funds](). ## Links in this article - [defensive groups attracted funds](https://www.tokenpost.com/news/investing/39438)