In this multi-part, shallow dive into investing and my own investments into sectors of the stock market, I look into those industries in the following two sectors:
Discretionaries – This sector, I understand, also makes up ~10% of the market. It consists of businesses that are considered non-essential, which cater to consumer preferences, and, as it is fueled by discretionary (disposable) income, it’s highly influenced by economic cycles. In addition to its cyclical nature, it’s also influenced by changes in consumer preferences, which sees the players in it having to constantly adapt and evolve to tastes, trends and technology, not only relating to what we buy, but how we buy it.
Those traditional bricks-and-mortar retailers that have been able to adapt have not only survived, but thrived in transforming their business models accordingly. From mega-cap, “Magnificent Seven” companies like Amazon and Tesla, not to mention those equally well-known companies like Lowes and Starbucks, to those much smaller but also well-known companies like Reynolds and Tupperware and Under Armour and Victoria’s Secret, all are banking on their brands to stay top of mind.
As this sector’s companies do not usually pay generous dividends, and are subject to cyclical volatility, I do not invest in it except via growth ETFs such as those that track the NASDAQ 100.
Energies – This capital-intensive sector, which I understand only makes up ~3% of the market, nevertheless plays an important role. Collectively, those businesses within keep us warm and on the move. Influenced by uncontrollable factors such as geopolitical tension, technological advancements and environmental regulations, it’s also one that has had to adapt due to those environmental concerns. As some of this entire sector’s companies are traditionally dividend paying ones, such as Canadian and American companies Enbridge, Suncor, TC Energy, Chevron and Exxon, I have shares in each of them .
A segment of this sector features companies that engage in the exploration, extraction, and production of oil and natural gas via the drilling of oil wells on land and from ocean rigs. It also encompasses those in this industry that still mine for coal and others involved in the business of horizontal fracturing as well.
The refining of the extracted crude, which sees it turned into gasoline for cars, diesel for trucks, jet fuel for the commercial aerospace and defense industries, and its by-products for lubricants destined for industrial and personal use, is another segment.
A number of companies supply equipment and services to support those in this sector, providing technology as well. These supports come in the form of drilling equipment, pipeline and other infrastructure construction, repair and maintenance services.
Due to the ever increasing and above-mentioned environmental efforts to address global warming, a number of old and new companies are involved in establishing and/or harnessing renewable power on geothermal, hydroelectric, solar and/or wind levels.
In part five, I’ll cover the Financials and Healthcare sectors and how I have invested in them both directly and through the use of ETFs.
Note: When you have made the conscious decision to really succeed, Make More Monie will endeavor to provide you with plenty of real-world examples of individuals that have “made more monie”, and who are happy to share exactly how they did it. No throbbing music, no pounding of chests and no primal screaming. Only top-of-the-line ‘fun’ancial mentorship with bottom-line results!
Disclaimer: The information contained herein should not be construed or considered professional advice. Nonetheless, thanks for reading! If it resonates, there’s “plenty more where that came from” on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube ‘n’ Twitter.