There is a sense the market is becoming more defensive. Another way to look at is what’s occurring is the offense is looking at new areas.
It’s not that Technology and Communication Services are outcast, but investors are in search of new areas for bigger returns.
The winners on Friday underscore this shift, which has been very stealthy, but is now becoming more pronounced. I’m referring to the commodities super cycle, which seems focused on oil, crops and industrial metals.
These areas outpaced gains in several S&P 500 sectors:
- Energy
- Industrials
- Materials
S&P 500 Index | -0.19% | |
Communication Services XLC | -0.98% | |
Consumer Discretionary XLY | -0.58% | |
Consumer Staples XLP | -1.26% | |
Energy XLE | +1.67% | |
Financials XLF | +1.19% | |
Health Care XLV | -1.21% | |
Industrials XLI | +1.64% | |
Materials XLB | +1.83% | |
Real Estate XLRE | +0.32% | |
Technology XLK | -0.15% | |
Utilities XLU | -1.49% |
Portfolio Review
We are adding to Industrials this morning and are now fully vested.
Today’s Session
The yield curve continues to surge, and I suspect its creating a more cautious environment for stocks.
Meanwhile, the move in commodities still has a long way to go from here.
To see the charts, click here, and here.