- Apprehensions about the narrow market breadth have fueled pessimism among investors
- Meanwhile, 1,200 stocks have registered double-digit growth this year apart from the magnificent 7
- With historical seasonal trends favoring the bulls, will we see the broader market finally catch up with the magnificent 7?
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Recently, the Tech sector (NYSE:XLK) achieved a new all-time high. Specifically, half the stocks listed on Nasdaq reached this milestone alongside one-third of those listed on S&P 500.
Notably, 1,200 stocks on the NYSE have experienced double-digit growth this year. However, the discussion often tends to center around the ascent of the magnificent 7.
Broader Market Set to Follow the Tech Sector ETF in the Coming Months?
We are in the midst of a bull market, and these facts about the market breadth seem to be attracting little attention.
Over the past year, individuals have seemingly devoted more time to a pessimistic outlook rather than considering the market in its entirety.
However, looking forward, predicting what will unfold remains uncertain. Yet, historically, the period from November to January is viewed as the most bullish quarter of the entire year.
Additionally, it marks the commencement of the most bullish six-month period annually.
Examining the 4-year cycle of the S&P 500 and comparing it to the current year, a historical pattern emerges: we are currently at the exact point when stocks traditionally continue their uptrend.
Despite this historical trend, what remains noteworthy is the pessimism among investors, especially about the market breadth that seems too narrow.
Should You Wait on the Sidelines for a Sector Rotation Into Value Stocks?
During times of fear and volatility, stocks belonging to unstable and struggling companies are often the first to be offloaded by investors. A glance at the chart indicates that we are still in a congestion phase.
Remarkably, High-beta stocks continue to establish higher highs and higher lows, with the Consumer Discretionary sector (NYSE:XLY) consistently outperforming the Consumer Staples sector.
Many observers, analyzing the ratio below, anticipate a repeat of 2022 - a year in which the Value sector reclaimed prominence after more than a decade.
In fact, the iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF (NYSE:IWF) has outperformed its Value counterpart, iShares Russell 1000 Value ETF (NYSE:IWD), by as much as 180%.
Over the past year, the Growth sector has consistently taken the lead, with the Growth/Value ratio now approaching its highs from September 2020.
The question arises: will it encounter the same challenges as the last two times when the ratio reaches these levels once again?
Certainly, we cannot disregard the potential psychological significance of this level in the ratio. The elevated highs carry a certain memory, and a shift in favor of Value would imply a reversal of trends, with other sectors taking on a leadership role.
Presently, the critical factor remains the dominance of Tech stocks. Ignoring this trend by waiting for declines may only keep us sidelined in the market.
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Disclaimer: This article is written for informational purposes only; it does not constitute a solicitation, offer, advice, or recommendation to invest as such it is not intended to incentivize the purchase of assets in any way. I would like to remind you that any type of asset, is evaluated from multiple points of view and is highly risky and therefore, any investment decision and the associated risk remains with the investor.