The most common way to distinguish between the 11 stock market sectors is by dividing them into two groups: Understanding and taking advantage of the differences between industries can lower risk and improve returns. There are 11 major sectors (categories of companies) that represent the industries of the US economy: You can unlock your inner superhero by leveraging the powers of each sector to master the stock market. economy, and just like superpowers, each sector has a unique set of characteristics that investors can take advantage of to maximize returns. The stock market is divided into 11 sectors fundamental to the U.S. Iron Man uses his unparalleled technology, the Hulk relies on brute strength, and Wolverine has the power to regenerate health. In the fantasy world of movie superheroes, each protagonist has a unique set of characteristics-otherwise known as superpowers-that makes him or her irreplaceable.