September has been a good month for the S&P 500 index, with the broad market index gaining about 1.92% month to date. With the Fed set to cut interest rates in its September meeting, the index could see additional upside in the weeks ahead.However, falling consumer confidence, increasing core inflation levels and persistent economic tensions raise the odds of a downside, making defensive bets a smart play. Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and Ukraine-Russia, along with a slowdown in hiring, further ...