## The Stock Market’s Expected Performance in 2021: Which Sectors to Watch
The year 2021 promises to be an interesting one for the stock market, with many factors poised to influence its performance. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the global economy, the upcoming U.S. presidential election in November, and the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy decisions are just a few of the headwinds that investors will need to navigate. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the sectors that are expected to perform well in 2021 and identify some specific stocks that you may want to consider for your portfolio.
### Technology
The technology sector has been one of the best-performing sectors in recent years, and this trend is expected to continue in 2021. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of technology in all aspects of our lives, from the way we work to the way we shop. This has led to increased demand for technology products and services, and it is expected to continue to drive growth in the sector in the coming year.
Some of the specific technology stocks that you may want to consider for your portfolio in 2021 include:
* **Apple (AAPL)** – Apple is a global leader in the design, development, and sale of consumer electronics, computer software, and online services. The company’s products include the iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and Apple TV. Apple is also a major player in the cloud computing and artificial intelligence markets.
* **Amazon (AMZN)** – Amazon is an e-commerce giant that sells a wide variety of products, including books, electronics, clothing, and household goods. The company also offers a variety of services, including cloud computing, video streaming, and digital advertising. Amazon is one of the most disruptive companies in the world, and it is expected to continue to grow rapidly in the coming years.
* **Microsoft (MSFT)** – Microsoft is a global leader in the development and sale of computer software, hardware, and services. The company’s products include the Windows operating system, the Office suite, and the Xbox video game console. Microsoft is also a major player in the cloud computing and artificial intelligence markets.
### Healthcare
The healthcare sector is another sector that is expected to perform well in 2021. The aging population and the rising prevalence of chronic diseases are driving demand for healthcare products and services. In addition, the development of new medical technologies is expected to lead to new treatments and cures for diseases.
Some of the specific healthcare stocks that you may want to consider for your portfolio in 2021 include:
* **Johnson & Johnson (JNJ)** – Johnson & Johnson is a global healthcare conglomerate that manufactures and sells a wide range of products, including pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and consumer healthcare products. The company’s products are used in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies. Johnson & Johnson is a well-established company with a strong track record of innovation.
* **Pfizer (PFE)** – Pfizer is a global pharmaceutical company that develops and manufactures a wide range of medicines and vaccines. The company’s products are used to treat a variety of diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and infectious diseases. Pfizer is a major player in the research and development of new medicines and vaccines.
* **UnitedHealth Group (UNH)** – UnitedHealth Group is a global healthcare company that provides a wide range of health insurance and healthcare services. The company’s products and services include health insurance plans, Medicare and Medicaid plans, and managed care services. UnitedHealth Group is a major player in the U.S. healthcare market, and it is expected to benefit from the aging population and the rising demand for health insurance.
### Financials
The financial sector is expected to perform well in 2021, as the economy recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic. The Federal Reserve is expected to keep interest rates low for the foreseeable future, which will benefit banks and other financial institutions. In addition, the stock market is expected to continue to perform well, which will lead to increased trading activity and revenue for financial institutions.
Some of the specific financial stocks that you may want to consider for your portfolio in 2021 include:
* **Bank of America (BAC)** – Bank of America is one of the largest banks in the United States. The company provides a wide range of banking and financial services, including checking and savings accounts, loans, and investment services. Bank of America is well-positioned to benefit from the economic recovery and the low interest rate environment.
* **JPMorgan Chase (JPM)** – JPMorgan Chase is another one of the largest banks in the United States. The company provides a wide range of banking and financial services, including checking and savings accounts, loans, and investment services. JPMorgan Chase is also a major player in the investment banking and asset management businesses.
* **Goldman Sachs (GS)** – Goldman Sachs is a global investment bank and financial services company. The company provides a wide range of services, including investment banking, equity and debt underwriting, and asset management. Goldman Sachs is well-positioned to benefit from the continued strength of the stock market and the global economy.
### Consumer Discretionary
The consumer discretionary sector is expected to perform well in 2021, as consumers start to spend more money on non-essential items. The economic recovery and the low interest rate environment are expected to lead to increased consumer spending, which will benefit companies in the consumer discretionary sector.
Some of the specific consumer discretionary stocks that you may want to consider for your portfolio in 2021 include:
* **Nike (NKE)** – Nike is a global sportswear and footwear company. The company’s products include sneakers, athletic apparel, and accessories. Nike is a leading brand in the athletic wear market, and it is expected