3M Co (MMM), UnitedHealth Group Inc. (UNH), Bank of America Corp (BAC): Which Stocks Drive or Delay the Dow’s All-Time Highs?

But that’s just a gentle comb-over compared to Alcoa Inc (NYSE:AA)‘s buzz cut.

The aluminum producer suffered the same 2008 meltdown as Bank of America Corp (NYSE:BAC) as the bottom fell out from the global construction markets. But while the bank came back with a vengeance in recent months, Alcoa Inc (NYSE:AA) shares never really stopped falling.

As it turns out, the big banks had plenty of flexibility to adjust their filing business models and step up to meet stricter government regulations. But the construction-materials business is far more physical, less flexible, and more dependent on the macro trends behind its customers’ expense budgets.

I can’t find a major player in this industry that has kept pace with the Dow over the last five years. Alcoa just happens to be a below-average performer in this massively beaten-down sector. And now it’s the smallest Dow member by far, counting by market caps.

All-time highs are not in the cards for Alcoa Inc (NYSE:AA) or Bank of America Corp (NYSE:BAC) anytime soon.

The article Which Stocks Drive or Delay the Dow’s All-Time Highs? originally appeared on Fool.com and is written by Anders Bylund.

Fool contributor Anders Bylund holds no position in any company mentioned. Check out Anders’ bio and holdings or follow him on Twitter and Google+. Motley Fool newsletter services have recommended buying shares of 3M, Bank of America, and UnitedHealth Group (NYSE:UNH). Motley Fool newsletter services have recommended creating a diagonal call position in 3M. Motley Fool newsletter services have recommended creating a diagonal call position in UnitedHealth Group.

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