What are Cyclical Stocks?

A country’s economy dictates the prices of products and services within it. For investors, keeping an eye out for any economic indicators that affect investment prices is crucial. Specifically for stocks, any changes in a nation’s economic activity can be highly detrimental. It can introduce volatility to stock prices, which is rarely good for investors. In some cases, however, stock prices may not get affected by any economic changes.

Overall, stocks are highly vulnerable to economic changes, except for some cases. Investors need to identify any stocks that fluctuate with fluctuations in economic activity. For that reason, they will need to consider investing in cyclical stocks.

What are Cyclical Stocks?

Cyclical stocks include the shares of a company that follows a nation’s economic cycle. These stocks perform well during economic expansions but take a hit during recessions. In short, the underlying company that cyclical stocks come from closely relates to the nation’s business cycle. It is because these companies sell products or services that have high-volume sales during expansion.

Cyclical stocks follow the same cycles that a nation's economy experiences. Therefore, these stocks exemplify all the characteristics that investors can expect from a particular economic cycle. The products offered are discretionary items that flourish during booming economic periods. These companies expand during good economic times. However, they also suffer during adverse economic conditions.

How do Cyclical Stocks work?

Cyclical stocks relate to companies that get affected by fluctuations in economic activity. This effect usually comes due to the products or services that these companies offer. During expansions, consumers spend more and, therefore, these companies make higher sales and profits. On the other hand, they suffer from lower sales and losses during economic recessions.

The underlying company also adapts due to the fluctuations in economic activity. During economic expansions, these companies invest in assets and growth. However, during recessions, they abstain from doing so. These actions then affect the company’s stock prices in the market. Therefore, these stocks are known as cyclical stocks.

How do Cyclical Stocks impact investors?

For investors, it is crucial to identify cyclical stocks. It is because they can generate high returns on these stocks by following a nation’s economy. Investors can buy stocks during economic downfalls and sell them during expansionary periods. Even for dividend investors, expansion periods can generate high returns. These stocks are also easy to identify, which makes them a valuable investment option.

However, predicting a nation's economy isn't straightforward. Therefore, cyclical stocks carry a high risk for investors. Any sudden fluctuations in a nation's economic activity can severely impact the cyclical stock prices. Nonetheless, they can also carry uncertain profits or returns for investors. On top of that, some cyclical stocks may also be subject to losses during economic booms.

What is the difference between Cyclical and Non-Cyclical Stocks?

Cyclical stocks include the stocks of a company that gets influenced by a nation's business cycle. On the other hand, non-cyclical stocks do not get impacted by economic activity. These stocks can perform well even in economic downturns. Usually, the underlying companies sell essential items which continue to sell even during a decline in economic activity. For investors, they carry lower risks and rewards.

Conclusion

Cyclical stocks include shares that get affected by a nation’s economic activity. These stocks come from companies that sell products or services that suffer from lower demand during economic downfalls. Cyclical stocks can be highly rewarding for investors. However, they also come with higher risks and uncertain profits.

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