Amidst AI Hype, Investors Might Overlook Genuine ETF Opportunities

Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst

DG+0.99%

RTH+0.55%

XRT-1.22%

Source: Benzinga

Updated: Nov 12 2025

0mins

Source: Benzinga

Market Opportunities Beyond AI: Analysts at Bank of America emphasize that while AI dominates headlines, there are overlooked investment opportunities in sectors like premium travel, discount retail, and resilient food producers, suggesting a balanced ETF strategy can capture diverse consumer trends.
K-Shaped Economic Recovery: The U.S. economy is exhibiting a K-shaped recovery, where some sectors thrive (like luxury spending) while others lag (like discount retail), creating opportunities for ETFs that reflect both high-end and value-oriented consumer behavior.
Premium Consumer ETFs: Companies like Viking Holdings Ltd are highlighted for their strong performance in the premium travel sector, with ETFs such as the Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR Fund and Invesco Leisure and Entertainment ETF offering exposure to luxury brands.
Discount and Value-Oriented ETFs: As consumers shift towards discount stores like Dollar General amid inflation, ETFs such as the VanEck Retail ETF and Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Fund capture steady-demand products, providing a hedge against market volatility.

$146.03+Infinity%1D

Analyst Views on DG

Wall Street analysts forecast DG stock price to fall over the next 12 months. According to Wall Street analysts, the average 1-year price target for DG is 143.86 USD with a low forecast of 125.00 USD and a high forecast of 170.00 USD. However, analyst price targets are subjective and often lag stock prices, so investors should focus on the objective reasons behind analyst rating changes, which better reflect the company's fundamentals.

16 Analyst Rating

9 Buy

7 Hold

0 Sell

Moderate Buy

Current: 144.600

Low

125.00

Averages

143.86

High

170.00

Current: 144.600

Low

125.00

Averages

143.86

High

170.00

Truist

Hold

maintain

$129 -> $144

2026-01-16

Reason

Truist

Price Target

$129 -> $144

AI Analysis

2026-01-16

maintain

Hold

Reason

Truist raised the firm's price target on Dollar General to $144 from $129 and keeps a Hold rating on the shares as part of a broader research note on Hardlines/Broadlines consumer names. The firm is citing its latest Truist Card reads and ICR holiday updates in adjusting its sales and earnings estimates, though it also believes that a significant increase in tax refunds will likely boost sales across the retail space in what are typically seasonally softer months, the analyst tells investors in a research note. For the company, sales trends have continued to exceed prior expectations throughout Q4 and represent a roughly 200bps acceleration from comp trend, the firm added.

Deutsche Bank

NULL -> Buy

resume

$170

2026-01-08

Reason

Deutsche Bank

Price Target

$170

2026-01-08

resume

NULL -> Buy

Reason

Deutsche Bank resumed coverage of Dollar General with a Buy rating and $170 price target. The firm resumed coverage of the broadlines and food retailers. Deutsche expects 2026 to be another "mixed year," characterized by food disinflation, reduced government benefits, and consumers' value focus extending into the new year. The analyst says that while defensive sectors such as food retail could face a challenging setup, "there are tailwinds on the horizon," including a sizable stimulus in the first half of 2026.

Unlock Full Analyst Thesis， Get the complete breakdown of rating reason for DG

Unlock Now

Barclays

Overweight

maintain

$127 -> $151

2026-01-08

Reason

Barclays

Price Target

$127 -> $151

2026-01-08

maintain

Overweight

Reason

Barclays raised the firm's price target on Dollar General to $151 from $127 and keeps an Overweight rating on the shares. The firm is positive on the broadlines, hardlines and food retail sector entering 2026. It sees improvements in discretionary goods demand with potential for a "modest bump" from consumer tax savings ahead and interest rate cuts.

Morgan Stanley

Equal Weight

maintain

2026-01-07

Reason

Morgan Stanley

Price Target

2026-01-07

maintain

Equal Weight

Reason

Morgan Stanley raised the firm's price target on Vinci to EUR 139 from EUR 138 and keeps an Equal Weight rating on the shares.

About DG

Dollar General Corporation is a discount retailer. The Company offers merchandise, including consumable items, seasonal items, home products and apparel. Its merchandise includes brands from manufacturers, as well as its own private brand selections with prices at discounts to brands. Its consumables category includes paper and cleaning products, packaged food, perishables, snacks, health and beauty, pet, and tobacco products. Its seasonal products include holiday items, toys, batteries, small electronics, greeting cards, stationery, prepaid phones and accessories, gardening supplies, hardware, automotive and home office supplies. Its home products include kitchen supplies, cookware, small appliances, light bulbs, storage containers, frames, candles, craft supplies and kitchen, bed and bath soft goods. The Company’s apparel products include basic items for infants, toddlers, girls, boys, women and men, as well as socks, underwear, disposable diapers, shoes and accessories.

About the author

Emily J. Thompson

Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.