Or it may be a cyclical one: Asia's component-makers often prosper in the early stages of the Western business cycle, as companies rebuild their inventories in anticipation of brighter sales to come.

ECONOMIST: Memories of 2008 are influencing Asia��s policymakers

FedEx is a component in the category of cyclical stocks, which also includes railroad carriers and aviation stocks like CSX and Boeing, that serve as indicators for economic improvement in the shipping and transportation industry.

FORBES: FedEx Beats With Strong Outlook