For several months, there has been increased talk of a cyclical rotation and even some evidence to suggest the scenario was playing out.
Fast-forward to November, and the cyclical rotation theme should be entering its sweet spot. After all, November is the start of the best six-month period in which to own stocks, a time frame that is historically a good time in which to own sectors like discretionary and industrials – deep cyclical plays. Materials stocks and ETFs often shine in November as well. [Industrial ETFs: November Strong]
Materials ETFs such as the Materials Select Sector SPDR (NYSEArca: XLB) have been solid performers as of late, but that is after an extended bout of under-performance against the S&P 500.
“That’s another sector that’s been getting some positive attention. But not only have materials been relatively week over the past month, but continue to be in a multi-year downtrend relative to the S&P 500,” writes J.C. Parets of All-Star Charts.
As for the high-beta financial services sector, Parets notes “financials peaked on a relative basis back in July and closed Wednesday at 7-month lows.”