About Stock Market Sectors
GICS Classification
The Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS) divides the stock market into 11 sectors: Technology, Healthcare, Financial Services, Consumer Discretionary, Communication Services, Industrials, Consumer Staples, Energy, Utilities, Real Estate, and Basic Materials.
Cyclical vs Defensive
Cyclical sectors (Technology, Consumer Discretionary, Industrials) perform better during economic expansion. Defensive sectors (Utilities, Healthcare, Consumer Staples) are more resilient during downturns.