3M shares are trading well below their all-time high, reached last fall and represent an attractive investment for "gun shy" investors fearful of committing new cash to this manic market.

I just read an interesting post by Jennifer Yousfi of MoneyMorning.com on how we can find a little protection in these turbulent markets, Conglomerates.

The industrials sector of the stock market is where I am most involved nowadays. While the big names like General Electric (NYSE: GE) and Caterpillar (NYSE: CAT) may not jump out at you as big gainers, plenty of these rock-solid companies have been hit unfairly, and I see value. As an added bonus, industrials companies often act as a hedge to thriving markets like agriculture.