Financial Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLF) It seems a little counterintuitive, and in some ways it is. The reality is, however, that the Financial Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSEARCA: XLF ) may well be one of a few stocks to buy in such an event. Upfina qualifies its finding, explaining that these stocks tend to do well in that scenario "because inflation usually increases at the end of the cycle, meaning oil prices are going up along with the other commodities."