Welcome to Extreme Investor Network, where we bring you unique insights and valuable information to help you navigate the exciting world of trading. Today, we dive into the current market trends and why momentum is key for success in 2024.
The summer of market momentum continues, with passive investors enjoying record highs on major indexes like the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite. However, active investors are facing challenges as market volatility remains low, making it difficult to capitalize on traditional trading strategies like “reversion to the mean.”
Tech stocks, particularly the largest players, have been the standout performers this year, while other sectors have lagged behind. This is evident in the unequal performance of equal-weight sector ETFs, where Technology is up 14% YTD, while Consumer Staples are down 3%.
With the S&P 500 up 18% this year, only 20% of its constituents have seen similar gains, highlighting the importance of picking the right stocks in a momentum-driven market. This year, momentum players have been reaping the rewards by following winning streaks and selling stocks in a downtrend.
For investors looking to capitalize on momentum, ETFs like the Invesco S&P 500 Momentum ETF (SPMO) and iShares USA Momentum Factor (MTUM) offer exposure to high-momentum stocks. These funds have seen significant gains in 2024, with SPMO up 39.9% and MTUM up 28.5%.
However, it’s important to note that momentum strategies can be risky, as they may underperform in down markets and go through infrequent rebalancing. Rebalancing only twice a year can be a challenge in rapidly changing market conditions, potentially impacting the fund’s ability to keep up with evolving trends.
At Extreme Investor Network, we advise caution when considering momentum strategies and ETFs, as they may not always deliver consistent outperformance. Stay informed, stay vigilant, and let us guide you towards smart trading decisions in today’s dynamic market environment.