The Periodic Table of Investment Returns for the nine S&P sectors is shown in the chart below:

Click to enlarge

Source: SPDR

Here are a few observations:

• At the height of the global financial crisis in 2008, financials fell over 55% while consumer staples fell only about 15%. Utilities fell by 23% and healthcare also fell lower than financials.
• No one sector ranked as the best performing sector any consecutive year except energy in 2004. This shows the need for diversification.
• Except in 2001, 2002 and in 2008, the energy sector yielded strong returns underscoring the importance of oil and other related sectors in the U.S.

Related ETFs:

SPDR Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLY)
SPDR Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLP)
SPDR Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLE)
SPDR Financials Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLF)
SPDR Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLV)
SPDR Industrials Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLI)
SPDR Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLK)
SPDR Materials Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLB)
SPDR Utilities Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLU)

Disclosure: No Positions