Defensive sectors had been leading the rally in 2013 but the winds changed in recent weeks. If the shift to cyclical sectors continues, manufacturing and industrials exchange traded funds could move into high gear.
Currently, the Industrial Select Sector SPDR (NYSEArca: XLI) has been falling behind the broader markets, returning 11.6% year-to-date, compared to the 14.0% performance of the S&P 500.
Investors have poured into non-cyclical stocks as an alternative to the historic low yields in government debt.
“They appear to be favoring less-risky cohorts – continuation the trend that has lasted for some time and one we think will remain driven by quantitative easing,” Morgan Stanley’s Adam Parker said in a research note.
Nevertheless, the housing recovery, shale fracturing boom, emerging market demand and low interest rates all support a rebounding manufacturing sector, writes Anjelica Tan for Kiplinger.
“The main subsectors covered in this ETF are aerospace and defense firms, machinery companies, industrial conglomerates, and transportation companies,” according to Morningstar analyst Robert Goldsborough.
Additionally, XLI includes many quality brands with a large global footprint.