XLU, XLP, XLE, GDX, and UUP are all approaching key technical levels
The Dow is closing in on a record hot streak, though
stocks are fighting for positive territory at midday. We asked Schaeffer's Senior Equity Analyst Joe Bell, CMT, if the current stock market conditions have prompted him to take a closer look at any exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Below, Bell calls out a number of them, including XLU, XLP, XLE, GDX, and UUP.
Utilities Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLU), Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLP) Playing Catch-Up
Utilities and consumer staples have started playing catch-up with the market the past few days. These are thought of as defensive names, in general. With that being said, it could just be a rotation after some other areas of the market led post-election. XLU is breaking out above its 200-day moving average, while XLP is playing catch-up, approaching its previous all-time high. By contrast, many other sectors already achieved an all-time high weeks ago. Actually, XLP is looking a little extended in the short-term, and is perhaps due for some consolidation right below previous highs.
Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLE) Searching For Support
XLE has underperformed during the past few weeks, but is still above the 200-day moving average and previous price-level resistance near the $70 area. In other words, potential support is below, but price action has also been weak. Perhaps a period of congestion of support areas comes into play here.
$25 Area Looms Large For VanEck Vectors Gold Miners ETF (GDX), PowerShares DB US Dollar Index Bullish Fund (UUP)
We're perhaps at a key point for gold mining stocks and the U.S. dollar. GDX is slightly below the $25 area, which is also the site of overhead 200-day moving average -- also rolling over. We have seen call buying at the strikes just overhead on GDX, too. Meanwhile, UUP is back near overhead resistance.
Generally, these two move inversely to each other, as many commodity-related stocks move inversely to the U.S. dollar, and often act as an inflation hedge. After the Fed minutes were released yesterday afternoon, we saw GDX move higher and UUP move lower, as the odds for a March rate hike decreased a bit. GDX has had a very strong start to the year, so it will be interesting to see if it will continue to roll over in the coming weeks, or break out above the 200-day.
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