Consumer Durables: Overview, What They Are, Example

By Rachel Warren – Updated Jul 23, 2025 at 1:01 PM | Fact-checked by Frank Bass

Key Points

Economic growth boosts consumer durable stocks as disposable income rises.
Durable goods' essential nature ensures some market stability even in downturns.
Investors can diversify via ETFs like Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR Fund.

Consumer durable goods are often considered discretionary purchases, meaning they are not always necessities and are more likely to be bought when consumers feel prosperous. During times of economic expansion, when consumers have more disposable income and are optimistic, demand for these goods can surge.

This can lead to significant share price appreciation for publicly traded companies that make and sell these goods. Consumer durable stocks can also be more volatile than other sectors, particularly during economic downturns.

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Person looking inside a refrigerator. — Image source: Getty Images.

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About the Author

Rachel Warren is a contributing Motley Fool stock market analyst covering pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, medical devices, information technology, and consumer goods. Prior to The Motley Fool, Rachel was a paralegal and legal administrator. She holds a bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies from Liberty University School of Law.

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Rachel Warren has positions in Apple. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Apple and Tesla. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.