Gold prices stayed relatively range bound for most of the week but dipped below $1,700 per ounce Friday on the positive jobs report and economic conditions. [What the ETF Flows Show: Risk On(ish)]
With the U.S. exchange out of commission for two days, investors turned their attention to the foreign markets. International stock ETFs, notably the emerging markets, were among the top performing funds for the week.
The top three unleveraged ETFs this week track overseas markets and the CBOE Volatility Index, including the SPDR MSCI EM 50 ETF (NYSEArca: EMFT), Market Vectors Colombia ETF (NYSEArca: COLX) and ProShares VIX Short-Term Futures ETF (NYSEArca: VIXY).
The bottom three unleveraged ETFs this week were iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Growth Index Fund (NYSEArca: EGRW), Global X China Materials ETF (NYSEArca: CHIM) and First Trust Amex Biotechnology Index (NYSEArca: FBT).
Looking ahead, investors should watch for the non-manufacturing ISM Monday; EIA Petroleum inventories Wednesday; international trade and jobless claims on Thursday; and the import/export prices and consumer sentiment on Friday.