The SPDR S&P Retail ETF (NYSEArca: XRT), the largest retail-related exchange traded fund, jumped nearly 4.8% in August, extending its third-quarter gain to over 10%. Some signs point to more upside ahead for retail stocks in September.
The ongoing strength in the U.S. economy has fueled the rising consumer sentiment. The strength in the retail sector this year is a stark contrast in previous years when investors grew concerned over the future outlook of traditional brick-and-mortar stores in face of a rising competition from e-commerce or internet retailers.
“Specifically, retail has been one of the best sectors to own in September, according to data from Schaeffer’s Senior Quantitative Analyst Rocky White. Over the last 10 years, XRT has averaged a monthly gain of 1.53% — the most of any ETF we track. Another move of this magnitude would put the shares at $52.58, based on their current perch,” reports Schaeffer’s Investment Research.
Other Retail Ideas
Other retail ETFs include the Invesco Dynamic Retail ETF (NYSEArca: PMR). PMR seeks to track the investment results (of the Dynamic Retail IntellidexSM Index, which is composed of common stocks of 30 U.S. retailers. These companies are engaged principally in operating general merchandise stores such as department stores, discount stores, warehouse clubs and superstores; specialty stores, including apparel, electronics, accessories and footwear stores; and home improvement and home furnishings stores.
Retail ETFs such as PMR and XRT are getting a lift from robust back-to-school spending.
Related: Retail ETFs Rally on Rising Consumer Sentiment
For this school year, retail shops are expecting a robust shopping season as multinational professional firm Deloitte is forecasting that this year’s back-to-school spending will increase by 2.2 percent to $27.6 billion, with the average spending per household rising to $510 from $501 last year, including $112 on school supplies–up from $104 the previous year.
“Retail stocks have put in an impressive performance in recent months, with the SPDR S&P Retail ETF (XRT) up more than 21% from its early April lows near $43. What’s more, shares of the exchange-traded fund (ETF) topped out at a record high of $52.96 on Aug. 22, thanks to a round of strong retail earnings,” according to Schaeffer’s.
For more information on the retail sector, visit our retail category.