Consumer stocks cut cyclical risk

Article Excerpt

Consumer sector companies offer products and services that benefit from continuous, habitual use and have a steady core of sales, regardless of the economy and business cycles. More generally, Consumer stocks can provide some protection against economic downturns. Generally, that’s a key difference between these stocks and firms in the Manufacturing or Resource sectors. Unlike Consumer stocks, those areas are far more sensitive to the ups and downs of the economic cycle. Utility stocks have also traditionally provided a hedge of sorts against economic slowdowns due to their steady earnings and dividends. That’s less so today due to utility deregulation and changing technology. Consumer stocks with a long-term record of dividends, such Metro and Canadian Tire, cut your cyclical risk even more. Still, Metro—considering its focus on food and drugs—is likely better positioned than Canadian Tire to keep prospering even in an economic downturn. downturn…