Hi,
An ETF you might want to consider is XLP (Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR).
The biggest holding is P&G, which another poster suggested. Other holdings include Coke, Pepsi, Costco, CVS, and a couple tobacco stocks. Also, Bud and Coors.
I like this ETF because it has relatively low volatility, has zero exposure to sub-prime, pays a dividend, and you can take comfort when you see your products actually being purchased in line at Wal-Mart (one of the top ten holdings, by the way).
But I don't own it at the moment.
I'd look for a price below $27, if you can get it (has the market truly turned a corner?). Last year I bought it at $27.20, so I feel comfortable recommending it below $27. That, btw, is the type of specific advice I'd like to get from others on these boards. Always do your own due diligence, of course, but I believe XLP's a winner as a short-term play or longer term.
Another possibility, although it's not an ETF, is Jensen (JENSX). This is the first fund that comes to mind when someone mentions quality U.S. companies, because they have a strict discipline in terms of what they buy. Stryker, the joint replacement firm, is currently the largest holding, I believe. I owned this fund as well, but sold it back in November.
William