The Consumer Durables category is a mix dominated by automobile manufacturing, home contractors and apparel fabrication, which may be attractive for diversification purposes but the sector remains a somewhat confusing indicator of underlying economic trends, with segments very diversely impacted in the economic cycle

Specialized consumer home appliances, furnishings companies and specialized retail have turned into niche markets stabilized around a small number of specialists, included in our selection, such as Whirlpool [asset ticker="WHR" mnemonic="NYSE"], Electrolux [asset ticker="ELUXY" mnemonic="OTC"] and more recently China-based Haier Electronics [asset ticker="HRELY" mnemonic="OTC"], which acquired GE’s Appliance division in 2016 ($5.6bn)

In terms of share performance, the specialized retail and do-it-yourself chains of which the consumer is familiar stand out, but the sensitivity to economic downturns cannot be ignored

In a reversal of fortune, on the other hand, the potential of the brands which allow the retailers to thrive could be substantial, provided the companies manage to adept – and anticipate fast changing consumer habits and expectations. The 'transformation' of Newell Brands takes the challenge ....

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