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Eyeballing sectors, to see which might thrive in the Trump rally

Which sectors of the stock market might continue to rise as part of the President-elect Trump equity rally? Banks, for one, because interest rates likely will rise next month, and because of potentially less regulation.

On the floor of the New York exchange, abuzz since the election. Banking and health care are sectors predicted to thrive.
On the floor of the New York exchange, abuzz since the election. Banking and health care are sectors predicted to thrive.Read moreAP

Which sectors of the stock market might continue to rise as part of the President-elect Trump equity rally?

Banks, for one, because interest rates likely will rise next month, and because of potentially less regulation.

Next? Health care, particularly Big Pharma, with drug companies no longer facing the threat of Democrats' price caps, and, farther down the road, energy-infrastructure companies building pipelines and facilities for liquefied natural gas, says Ernie Cecilia, chief investment officer at Bryn Mawr Trust.

Now overseeing $9.9 billion in assets, Cecilia argues these sectors may continue to benefit.

"Congress will be empathetic to Trump, so that changes the narrative for a lot of these equities," he says.

Conversely, stronger economic growth and deficit-led spending "are not good for the bond market."

That helps explain why the 10-year Treasury bond's yield has risen to 2.3 percent, from 1.86 percent going into the Nov. 8 election.

"The real story is beneath the market," Cecilia says. The Russell 2000, which tracks small-cap stocks, "has been on fire. The economy is expected to accelerate, and that's good for small business."

Sectors such as utilities may not fare well.

"These dividend-yield plays have risen for a long time, and their gains were long in the tooth," he says.

Higher interest rates make dividend plays less attractive - because investors can find yield elsewhere. Bryn Mawr Trust's house view is that the Federal Reserve will likely raise short-term rates by 0.25 percent in December at its next meeting.

One area Cecilia is examining longer-term is energy infrastructure.

"If we get clearance on some of the energy pipelines and liquefaction plants, that's an area to look at."

Investing instruction

If you want to learn more about investing in a nonthreatening, non-sales-pitch environment, BetterInvesting's Philadelphia Chapter will host its next seminar on Saturday at the Super Giant Food Store community center at 315 York Rd. in Willow Grove.

The chapter's new president, Jamila Payne, shows how to start your investment portfolio with as little as $100. All newbies to investing, as well as experienced investors, are welcome.

The all-day seminar (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) will feature Doug Gerlach, president of ICLUB Central, who will introduce participants to some of the software tools and investment screens used by BetterInvesting clubs.

The cost is $20, and lunch is included. To attend, call Gloria Mankonen at 215-796-1214 or email her at contact@philly.betterinvesting.net.

If you can't make it Saturday, BetterInvesting Philadelphia will host an open house Jan. 24 at the Free Library of Philadelphia, starting at 6:30 p.m. in Room 405-407 at the Parkway Central branch, 1901 Vine St.

Trademark your idea

Attention, entrepreneurs and inventors: The Free Library of Philadelphia also will host "Trademark Basics: What Every Business Should Know Now, Not Later" from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 5 in the Skyline Room, (Fourth Floor) at the Parkway Central branch.

At this seminar, speaker Craig Morris, managing attorney for trademark outreach at the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office, in cooperation with Entrepreneur Works, will talk about the effective use of the USPTO's website and other resources.

He will also speak on:

How trademarks, copyrights, patents, domain names, and business name registrations differ.

Why it's important for any new business to select a trademark that will be both federally registrable and legally protectable, highlighting factors critical when choosing a mark.

The importance of doing a complete search and whether to use an attorney.

What may happen if another trademark owner believes it has stronger rights and issues a "cease-and-desist" letter.

What the USPTO does in the federal registration process, and how to avoid scams perpetrated by companies that request fees for services not required by the agency.

To register for the seminar, visit the Free Library's website www.freelibrary.org/business/events.

Veterans pitch-fest

If you're an entrepreneur and a veteran, get ready for a Philly-area take on the TV show Shark Tank, as five aspiring entrepreneurs, all military vets, pitch their business plans to an audience and panel of judges at the GPVN Veteran Shark Tank event.

This year, Col. John C. Church, USMCR, president of Valley Forge Military Academy and College, will address the audience as the keynote speaker.

The event is scheduled for Dec. 6 at 5:30 p.m. at the Adventure Aquarium in Camden. For tickets, visit the Greater Philadelphia Veterans Network website (http://gpvn.org).

earvedlund@phillynews.com

215-854-2808@erinarvedlund