150A Andover Street Suite 2 Danvers, MA 01923

978.777.6554
rcella@ipswichfinancial.com
Client Login
Ipswich Bay Advisors Home
Ipswich Bay Advisors Home
  • Home
  • Home
  • About Us 
    • Our Mission
    • Our Pledge
    • Our Team
    • Our Strategic Partners
    • Ed Slott Master Elite IRA Experts
    • Research-Based Investing
  • Services 
    • Retirement Planning
    • Tax Planning
    • Investment Management
    • Financial Planning
  • 401k Business Services 
    • Advisory and Management Services
    • Employee Education
    • Plan Sponsors
    • Participants
  • Events 
    • Meet Ed Slott Live!
    • Monthly Webinars
  • Resources 
    • State of the Market
    • Newsletters
    • LPL Research
    • Videos
    • Your Personal Retirement Machine
  • Contact Us
Client Login
Investment Read Time: 3 min

The Utility of Sector Investing

There is a growing popularity among individuals to broaden their investment strategy beyond conventional allocations and investment styles. Some see sector investing as a way to seek new opportunities for enhanced portfolio performance.1

Because of its narrow focus, a sector investing strategy tends to be more volatile than an investment strategy that is diversified across many sectors and companies. Sector investing is also subject to the additional risks that are associated with each particular industry. Sector investing can be adversely affected by political, regulatory, market, or economic developments.

Sectors are made up of companies grouped by similar businesses that range from natural resources to financial services and from technology to consumer staples. In any given year, one sector may outperform another. For example, in 2021, energy rose 47.7%, while utilities only rose 14.1%.2

Successful sector investing depends on an individual's ability to consistently and accurately determine when to rotate in and out of the various sectors, which may be a challenge for most investors.

Investors are further cautioned that some sector mutual funds are capitalization weighted, meaning that they can be very concentrated in a few stocks, so you need to do your homework.3

Remember that mutual funds are sold by prospectus. Please consider the charges, risks, expenses, and investment objectives carefully before investing. A prospectus containing this and other information about the investment company can be obtained from your financial professional. Read it carefully before you invest or send money.

Sector Investing Strategies

There are a number of ways to implement sector investing, depending upon your objective.

Portfolio Carve-Out: This approach dedicates a portion of your portfolio to seeking opportunities in a specific sector. For example, if you think a rebounding economy may increase consumer spending, a Consumer Discretionary sector may be a consideration.

Risk Management: Because the correlations between different sectors can be lower than those between general categories (e.g., value vs. growth or large vs. small cap), investors may be able to build a portfolio of sectors that potentially may reduce overall investment risk.

Portfolio Completion: This strategy targets sectors that may be underrepresented in a current portfolio. For instance, if precious metals or real estate exposure is lacking, you can use sector investment to gain that exposure.

Successful sector investing may be a challenge for most investors, but it could present an opportunity for those who do their homework.

Because of its narrow focus, a sector investing strategy tends to be more volatile than an investment strategy that is diversified across many sectors and companies. Sector investing also is subject to the additional risks that are associated with each particular industry. Sector investing can be adversely affected by political, regulatory, market, or economic developments.

1. Asset allocation is an approach to help manage investment risk. Asset allocation does not guarantee against investment loss.
2. VisualCapitalist.com, 2021
3. The return and principal value of stock prices will fluctuate as market conditions change. And shares, when sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost.

The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG Suite is not affiliated with the named broker-dealer, state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security. Copyright FMG Suite.

Share |

Have A Question About This Topic?

Thank you! Oops!

Related Content

Is a SEP-IRA Right for Your Business?

Is a SEP-IRA Right for Your Business?

For some, the idea of establishing a retirement strategy evokes worries about complicated reporting and administration.

What’s Your Investment IQ?

What’s Your Investment IQ?

You make decisions for your portfolio, but how much do you really know about the products you buy? Try this quiz

The Basics of Medicare

The Basics of Medicare

Learn all about Medicare basics in this informative and insightful article.

Contact

Office: 978.777.6554

Fax: 978.777.6560

150A Andover Street

Suite 2

Danvers, MA 01923

Series 6, 7, 24, 26, 63, 66

rcella@ipswichfinancial.com

Quick Links

  • Retirement
  • Investment
  • Estate
  • Insurance
  • Tax
  • Money
  • Lifestyle
  • All Articles
  • All Videos
  • All Calculators
  • All Presentations

Check the background of your financial professional on FINRA's BrokerCheck.

The content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. Some of this material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG Suite is not affiliated with the named representative, broker - dealer, state - or SEC - registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security.

We take protecting your data and privacy very seriously. As of January 1, 2020 the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) suggests the following link as an extra measure to safeguard your data: Do not sell my personal information.

Copyright 2023 FMG Suite.

Securities and investment advice offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC. Ipswich Bay Advisors and LPL Financial are separate entities.  

Ed Slott is not affiliated with LPL Financial and Ipswich Bay Advisors.