The consumer staples sector contains some of the biggest names in the U.S. consumer field, such as Wal-Mart, Proctor & Gamble, Coca-Cola and General Mills. These companies are large and diversified, allowing them to ride the ups and downs of the stock market with relative security.

Consider getting help with consumer staples sector investments as your company builds its investment portfolio. Your consumer staples sector consultant might recommend investing in the individual companies in the sector or a sector mutual fund. A key advantage of an investment in the consumer staples sector is a defensive or safety position in a volatile market. As your company gathers consumer staples sector information, do the following:

1. Educate your investment team about the companies that make up the consumer staples sector and their historical performances.

2. Develop a company investment strategy that includes the consumer staples sector.

3. Purchase consumer staples sector stocks or shares of a mutual fund.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Get consumer staples sector training online

The first step in adding consumer staples stocks to your company portfolio is learning about the sector, the companies that make it up, and their performance trends. You can find a wealth of information about each company at its website or at those of leading investment research firms. For stock market performance, visit several of the investor-focused sites.

I recommend: A good place to start your team's education is Fidelity Investments. Use the online tools to note sector performance, compare it to other parameters and find a list of included businesses. Then use Smith Barney's consumer staples sector advice from its online Financial Planning Center to finalize an investment strategy.

Choose some consumer staples stocks to follow

Once your investment team has developed an investment plan, track the stocks under consideration. Check recent ups and downs as well as their historical performances. Look for analysis of trends during market conditions similar to those at the time you plan to invest.

I recommend: Become familiar with the investment tools offered at Bloomberg.com. You'll be able to keep track of your portfolio, monitor and compare investments, and calculate potential gains and losses. Turn the analyses, ratings and recommendations at Zacks into an action plan for your firm's initial investment.

Buy consumer staples sector stocks or shares of a sector mutual fund

Investing in individual stocks is a solid strategy for diversifying your company's portfolio. Purchase shares in one or more companies in the consumer staples sector to add to the holdings. Another option is a consumer staples ETF, which will include stock from several of the sector's companies. Several different funds are available. Each will be professionally managed.

I recommend: To invest in individual consumer staples sector stocks, consider a Vanguard brokerage account. The account will allow your company several investment options. If you decide to invest in a consumer staples sector fund, check out the offering at Invesco PowerShares. You can view the fund's holdings, performance and recent payoffs online.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Portfolios can be an opportunity to balance your company's investment. Make sure high-risk ventures are matched with safe choices. Use industry ratings such as Morningstar to help determine the safe from the riskier choices.