Topic: How To Invest

What is Pat’s commentary for the week of August 17, 2021

Article Excerpt

Recently a member asked a question that you may have wondered about over the years. “Hi, Pat. My question regards your philosophy of spreading investments out among ‘most if not all of the five main sectors’: I’m wondering where each of the 11 broad Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS) sectors commonly used for sector breakdown fit within your framework. They are Energy, Materials, Industrials, Consumer Discretionary, Consumer Staples, Health Care, Financials, Information Technology, Communication Services, Utilities, and Real Estate. “For instance, I note that pipeline operators such as TC Energy (symbol TRP on Toronto) are classified within GICS as Energy companies, or stocks, given that they transport oil and gas. But, within your framework, those pipeline operators fall under Utilities. Also, wondering about Health Care—you refer to Johnson & Johnson (symbol JNJ) as a Consumer stock. GICS slots it into Health Care given its focus on pharmaceuticals. Thanks!” Below is our answer. It explains the role that our Five-sector Classification plays in our…