Lesson

Sector risk refers to the potential for losses within a specific industry or sector due to factors that affect the entire sector. This type of risk is a subset of systematic risk, which impacts the entire market or economy. Understanding sector risk helps investors make informed decisions about diversifying their portfolios and managing risk.

Practice Question #1

Which of the following best describes sector risk?

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Terms

Sector risk:
The potential for losses within a specific industry or sector due to factors that affect the entire sector.
Systematic risk:
The risk affecting the entire market or economy cannot be eliminated through diversification.
Sector:
A segment of the economy that includes companies from a specific industry.
Cyclical sectors:
Industries sensitive to economic cycles, such as automobiles and housing.
Defensive sectors:
Industries less sensitive to economic cycles, such as utilities and healthcare.

Practice Question #2

Which of the following is an example of a defensive sector?

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Do Not Confuse With

Unsystematic risk:
The risk specific to an individual company or investment can be reduced through diversification.
Market risk:
The risk that the entire market will decline, affecting all investments.
Credit risk:
The risk that a borrower will default on their debt obligations.
Interest rate risk:
The risk that interest rate changes will negatively impact an investment's value.

Practice Question #3

How can an investor reduce the impact of sector risk on their portfolio?

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Historical Example

In the early 2000s, the technology sector experienced a significant downturn, known as the dot-com bubble burst. This sector risk event led to widespread losses for investors who had heavily invested in technology stocks, as many companies in the sector saw their stock prices plummet.

Practice Question #4

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Real-World Example

Investors concerned about potential sector risk in the energy industry might diversify their portfolio by investing in stocks from other sectors, such as healthcare or consumer goods. This can help reduce the impact of any adverse events within the energy sector on their overall investment performance.

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