The markets have been strong this week following comments from Fed Chairwoman Jannet Yellen. Market ETFs hit fresh 2016 highs and did so with convincing volume. The S&P 500 ETF (NYSE: SPY) is up just over 1% for the week so far, boasting a now 1% gain year to date. The Nasdaq 100 ETF (NASDAQ: QQQ) has fared slightly better, gaining 1.40% so far this week but is still lagging the S&P with a 2.42% loss on the year.One sector that is oddly hanging back this week is the Financials. The Financial ETF (NYSE: XLF) was unable to participate with the market to the same degree on Tuesday, lagging behind. Year to date the financials have shown relative weakness and have a ways to go before seeing green for 2016. The XLF is still trading down over 5% year to date.
Oil continues its pullback after a string of up weeks. The (NYSE: USO) has lost some ground this week so far, down 6% but bulls seems to be shouting "buying opportunity" as volume is low. Other similar ETF's such as (NYSE: OIH) and (NYSE: XOP) have shared the same performance to start the week.
Gold found buyers to start the week as Tuesdays comments from the Fed sparked a late day rally. The performance of gold this year certainly stands out and ETF's such as (NYSE: GLD) have enjoyed gains as well. GLD has enjoyed a 17% return this year alone and the bulls have been excited to see this pullback in the short term.
Lastly, the Russell 2000 has seen the return of the bulls lately. This week ETF's like the (NYSE: IWM) have shown nice strength, gaining over 1% Tuesday alone. One day does not paint a fair picture though. Suffering over a 15% decline to start the year, the IWM is now within 1% of positive returns for 2016.
Many have questioned the markets extended run here in the short term, but the market ETF's along with many of the sector ETF's show complete control by the bulls, seemingly every day.