Cyclical Sectors Quietly Leading The Market Higher

Bob Carey
Chief Market Strategist

Bio
X • LinkedIn

Blog Home

Send Us Your Comments And Questions

RSS Feed

Cyclical Sectors Quietly Leading The Market Higher

Posted Under: Sectors

View from the Observation Deck

Real GDP (U.S.) for Q1'14 was just revised lower from 0.1% to -1.0%. Brian Wesbury, Chief Economist at First Trust Advisors L.P., has been steadfast in his belief that the weakness was largely weather-related.
Wesbury sees real GDP growing at around 3.0% for the remainder of 2014. The International Monetary Fund is forecasting global growth rates of 3.6% and 3.9% for 2014 and 2015, respectively, according to Bloomberg.
Despite these optimistic growth projections, some investors continue to seek out defensive-oriented, income-producing securities, such as utility stocks and investment-grade bonds.
While the top performing major S&P 500 sector year-to-date is Utilities, up 12.51%, it ranks 7th out of 10 for the 12-month period ended 5/28 (see chart). In fact, nearly all of the defensive sectors have lagged the cyclicals.
We believe that investors are overreacting to the plunge in economic activity in Q1'14 and are simply taking advantage of the decline in interest rates as a result of said weakness.
As we have previously noted, we believe that corporate earnings determine the direction of stock prices over time, especially when the market is trading at all-time highs.
Bloomberg's (2014 & 2015) estimated earnings growth rates for the 10 major S&P 500 sectors are as follows (as of 5/29): Health Care (16.95% & 11.79%); Information Technology (16.07% & 10.84%); Telecom. Services (12.87% & 6.65%); Energy (10.90% & 6.05%); Consumer Discretionary (9.54% & 17.49%); Industrials (6.30% & 11.91%); Materials (5.64% & 19.02%); Consumer Staples (4.15% & 9.20%); Utilities (-0.74% & 3.08%); and Financials (-1.65% & 11.94%).

The chart and performance data referenced are for illustrative purposes only and not indicative of any actual investment. The index performance data excludes the effects of taxes and brokerage commissions or other expenses incurred when investing. Investors cannot invest directly in an index. There can be no assurance that any of the projections cited will occur. The S&P 500 Index is a capitalization-weighted index comprised of 500 stocks used to measure large-cap U.S. stock market performance, while the 10 major S&P 500 Sector Indices are capitalization-weighted and comprised of S&P 500 constituents representing a specific sector.

To Download a PDF of this post, please click here.

Posted on Thursday, May 29, 2014 @ 2:38 PM • Post Link

Printer Friendly

These posts were prepared by First Trust Advisors L.P., and reflect the current opinion of the authors. They are based upon sources and data believed to be accurate and reliable. Opinions and forward looking statements expressed are subject to change without notice. This information does not constitute a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any security.

Most Current Posts

<<< Newer Posts • Older Posts >>>

Search Posts

MARKET ANALYSIS

Market Commentary and Analysis
•	Market Commentary Video
•	Monthly Talking Points
•	Quarterly Newsletter
•	Market Observations

Subscribe To Receive Email

PREVIOUS POSTS
•	Keeping An Eye On Bond Prices
•	Emerging Market Equities Showing Signs Of Life In 2014
•	The Fed Provides The Real Juice For Utilities
•	The Math Absolutely Matters
•	Large-Capitalization Stocks Slowly Taking Over The Leadership Role In The Market
•	The Party Many Are NOT Showing Up For
•	Advertising Dollars Are Flowing To The Net
•	2014 Earnings Snapshot
•	The Prospects For Owning Natural Gas Stocks Over A Particular 5-Month Stretch
•	Fixed-Rate Bonds Are Performing Well…But For How Long?