This week so far has proved to be another volatile time period for the stock market, with the U.S. China's chronic escalation of trade tensions that have led to a slowdown of economic growth and an increase of investment fears. It seems that every new report wildly swings the market in either direction with no real end in sight. The SPDR S&P 500 (SPY) is seeing positive growth into Wednesday, up from the past two days of decline that started the week. In the same way, the Invesco QQQ Trust (QQQ) is in the positive territory mid-week, climbing up from the negative gains from the previous few days.
In Sector ETFs, Energy (XLE) has seen gains this week, following more positive trade talks between the economic giants that are China and the U.S. This sector continues to see growth in the aftermath of the past month's drone attacks on Saudi Arabian oil fields. Financials (XLF) have posted a positive growth into Wednesday, despite currently trading 5% below its most recent July 26 high. Evercore's Glenn Schorr wrote in a note to clients that "concerns of a [Elizabeth] Warren presidency has weighed in on the sector recently." Technology (XLK) has also been on an upward climb, with Apple (NASDAQ: APPL) and Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) being the driving forces behind the increase. The Industrial Sector (XLI) also is seeing gains Wednesday, even though economic indicators from September, such as industrial production and ISM manufacturing index, point to weaker growth conditions. Time will tell if the steady earnings growth that is supporting the sector will maintain expansion. Consumer Staples (XLP) and Consumer Discretionary (XLY) have also seen a positive boost, but the increase may only be temporary depending on the future of trade between China and the U.S.
In Commodity ETFs, SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) are currently priced around $142 with the precious metal trading well amid global economic uncertainty. The United States Natural Gas Fund (UNG) is on the decline midweek, with the fund being traded around $19 due to the repeated drop of gas prices. On the other hand, United States Oil Fund (USO) is increasing Wednesday after falling in the beginning of the week due to concerns over the future trade talks. Finally, the Dollar (UUP) is seeing a slight decline as the week heads towards its end as the Fed tries to stabilize the markets.