This month at The Motley Fool we're committing ourselves to getting back to basics, culminating on September 25 with Worldwide Invest Better Day. With this in mind, my Foolish colleagues and I are opening the floodgates and unleashing vital information to help you invest better. In a previous article, we reviewed stock diversification, a key fundamental of investing. We're looking at stock sectors one by one, focusing today on industrials.
Industrials sector 101
The sector includes companies that provide industrial and commercial equipment and services, transportation, and distribution operations. From construction and farming machinery to airlines, railroads, and waste management, the industrials sector has a broad range of end markets and beneficiaries. The sector also enjoys vast exposure to emerging markets.
How the sector performs
Industrials are considered a cyclical sector, meaning there's less demand for them in a down economy. During a weak economy, the sector usually underperforms. From October 2007 to March 2009, the sector lost 62%, a time when the S&P 500 lost roughly 55%. When the economy shifts from recession to recovery, the sector experiences a boost. For example, during the most recent stock market run-up commencing March 2009 to present, the industrials sector returned 164% versus 132% for the S&P 500. And over long spans of time, industrials generally outperform the market. In the past decade, the sector returned 118% versus 105% for the S&P 500.
Trends in the industrials sector
With the growing middle class in emerging market nations, the world demand for food is on the rise. As developing countries have become wealthier, diets are improving. This is driving agricultural demand and fueling growth for agriculture equipment companies like Deere
Demand for earthmoving and construction equipment for infrastructure build-out in emerging market nations is rapidly increasing. And the needs aren't just an issue for developing nations. For developed markets, the issue isn't building infrastructure; it's replacing what is old and run-down. America's civil engineers give our infrastructure poor marks -- the U.S. now ranks 23rd compared to other countries for overall infrastructure quality. Worldwide infrastructure needs will keep global companies like Caterpillar
Another trend that could generate strong corporate profits is the push for energy efficiency. Companies with a technological edge will likely drive favorable returns for shareholders. Despite recent weakness in truck orders from China, engine maker Cummins
Operating only in North America, Waste Management
Get exposure to the sector the simple way
If you don't have the time, desire, or interest to research industrials stocks, consider a sector-specific exchange-traded fund, or ETF. Sector specific ETFs like the Industrials Select Sector SPDR ETF are helpful when you lack information to devise your own investing thesis. Using the MSCI World Sector Weightings as a benchmark, roughly 10% of your overall stock portfolio should be allocated to the industrial sector.
Build a more bulletproof nest egg
Making a bet the wrong way in the stock market could cost you. By developing a diversified strategy for adding all sectors to your portfolio, you'll sleep well at night knowing that, regardless of what happens in the market, a portion of your nest egg will prevail.
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Join us for more basic investing information and tips on our microsite for Worldwide Invest Better Day. On the site, we've posted lots of great articles aimed at helping you do just that.
