One of the stock market's defined industry sectors is 'industrials'. This sector is comprised of companies that are involved in the development of products and innovation. Products such as electricity tool and dye and/or brand name products are considered industrial.

Industrials are an important portion of any investor's stock portfolio and this sector is one that should be closely examined as it may offer stable growth in what appears to be a growing and more stable US economy.

AMERICAN STANDARD is a global, diversified manufacturer of high quality, brand-name products in three major product groups: air conditioning systems and services; bathroom and kitchen fixtures and fittings; and vehicle control systems for medium-sized and heavy trucks, buses, trailers and utility vehicles. American Standard is among the three largest providers of products it manufactures in each of its three major business segments in the principal geographic areas where it competes.

ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS, Inc. manufactures and markets a variety of products and systems that provide specific, problem-solving solutions for a diverse customer base worldwide. The company's business units are divided into six segments: Engineered Products-North America; Engineered Products-International; Specialty Systems-North America; Specialty Systems-International; Consumer Products; and Leasing and Investments.

GENERAL ELECTRIC is one of the largest and most diversified industrial corporations in the world. GE is engaged in developing, manufacturing and marketing a wide variety of products for the generation, transmission, distribution, control and utilization of electricity. Some of GE's products include major appliances; lighting products; industrial automation products; medical diagnostic imaging equipment; motors; electrical distribution and control equipment; locomotives; power generation and delivery products.

UNION PACIFIC CORP. consists of one reportable segment, rail transportation, and the company's other product lines. The rail segment includes the operations of the corporation's wholly owned subsidiary, Union Pacific Railroad Company and Union Pacific Railroad Company's subsidiaries and rail affiliates. The company's other operations include the trucking product line, as well as the other product lines that include technology, self-insurance activities, corporate holding company operations, and all appropriate consolidating entries.

Paul M. Jenkins is an investment counsellor at LOM. He can be contacted at (441) 292-5000 or e-mail at paul.jenkins@lom.bm