Defensive Utilities Shine as Crypto Rallies and Precious Metals Retreat

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Macro Overview

The S&P 500 (IVV) declined 0.56% during the most recent session, extending its one-month drawdown to 2.86%. Developed ex-U.S. equities (EFA) experienced a sharper 1.19% single-day contraction, pushing its trailing one-month performance to negative 7.62%. Emerging Markets (EEM) posted a more measured 0.26% decline, though it remains up 3.82% on a year-to-date basis. Broad Commodities (DJP) softened by 0.46% on the day but continue to lead major asset classes with a 26.88% return year-to-date. In fixed income, the Taxable Core (AGG) segment remained relatively flat with a 0.08% decline as market participants evaluated ongoing macroeconomic data.

U.S. Size & Style

Size and style metrics registered uniform declines across the matrix, with Large Growth (IVW) acting as the primary laggard following a 0.99% daily contraction. Small Growth (IJT) demonstrated the most relative resilience by limiting its daily loss to 0.08%. Notably, the Mid Value (IJJ) segment reached an oversold condition with an RSI of 25.78, correlating with its 8.04% one-month drawdown. From a trailing one-year perspective, Large Growth remains the performance leader at 26.82%, despite recent near-term pressures.

Name (Ticker) 1-Day % Change 1 Month 3 Month YTD 1 Year
Small Growth (IJT) -0.08% -6.45% -1.99% 1.06% 19.02%
Large Value (IVE) -0.09% -3.89% -0.44% -0.17% 15.92%
Mid Value (IJJ) -0.10% -8.04% -2.13% -0.62% 13.47%
Small Cap (IJR) -0.12% -6.80% -1.21% 1.56% 20.90%
Small Value (IJS) -0.14% -7.17% -0.51% 1.94% 22.49%
Mid Cap (IJH) -0.15% -6.09% 0.09% 1.36% 18.60%
Mid Growth (IJK) -0.19% -4.20% 2.03% 3.17% 23.31%
Large Cap (IVV) -0.56% -2.86% -2.57% -2.88% 21.60%
Large Growth (IVW) -0.99% -1.92% -4.53% -5.31% 26.82%

U.S. Sectors & Industries

The Utilities (XLU) sector decoupled from the broader market, advancing 0.99% as investors favored defensive equity segments. Energy (XLE) recorded a 0.33% daily gain, maintaining its technically overbought status with an RSI of 70.25 and a year-to-date return of 29.05%. Conversely, Materials (XLB) posted the steepest daily decline at 0.99%, expanding its one-month deficit to 7.73%. Financials (XLF) edged up 0.12% but continue to reflect an oversold technical posture with an RSI of 29.16. Consumer Discretionary (XLY) also exhibits an oversold RSI of 29.26 following a 0.59% single-day reduction.

Name (Ticker) 1-Day % Change 1 Month 3 Month YTD 1 Year
Utilities (XLU) 0.99% 0.99% 10.46% 10.00% 24.85%
Consumer Staples (XLP) 0.58% -5.33% 7.56% 9.09% 9.74%
Energy (XLE) 0.33% 6.16% 27.86% 29.05% 36.80%
Real Estate (XLRE) 0.26% -2.87% 4.81% 4.71% 7.45%
Financial (XLF) 0.12% -5.34% -10.72% -10.74% 4.52%
Health Care (XLV) -0.25% -5.00% -2.36% -3.24% 5.97%
Industrials (XLI) -0.36% -5.47% 5.40% 6.14% 29.59%
Consumer Discretionary (XLY) -0.59% -4.58% -7.97% -7.16% 16.10%
Communication Services (XLC) -0.71% -0.11% -1.49% -2.78% 22.14%
Technology (XLK) -0.75% -1.98% -4.65% -4.98% 32.56%
Materials (XLB) -0.99% -7.73% 9.50% 8.47% 18.21%

Global Thematic

Digital asset infrastructure themes demonstrated positive daily momentum, led by the First Trust SkyBridge Crypto Industry & Digital Economy (CRPT) strategy with a 2.75% advance. Cannabis-related funds also generated near-term strength, as the AdvisorShares Pure US Cannabis (MSOS) product gained 2.69%. The laggard side of the thematic spectrum was entirely dominated by precious metal miners, reflecting acute daily selling pressure. The Sprott Silver Miners & Physical Silver (SLVR) fund recorded the sharpest single-session contraction at 7.05%.

Name (Ticker) 1-Day % Change
Top 5 Leaders
First Trust SkyBridge Crypto Industry & Digital Economy (CRPT) 2.75%
AdvisorShares Pure US Cannabis (MSOS) 2.69%
Amplify Seymour Cannabis (CNBS) 2.29%
VanEck Digital Transformation (DAPP) 1.74%
VanEck Alternative Asset Manager (GPZ) 1.68%
Bottom 5 Laggards
Sprott Silver Miners & Physical Silver (SLVR) -7.05%
Sprott Active Gold & Silver Miners (GBUG) -6.41%
U.S. Global GO GOLD and Precious Metal Miners (GOAU) -6.24%
VanEck Gold Miners (GDX) -6.08%
VanEck Junior Gold Miners (GDXJ) -5.82%

Developed ex-U.S. & Emerging Markets

South Korea (EWY) served as a rare bright spot within international equities, advancing 0.53% for the day and maintaining a trailing one-year return of 129.94%. Other isolated areas of strength included Malaysia (EWM) and Taiwan (EWT), which logged daily gains of 0.39% and 0.33%, respectively. Alternatively, South Africa (EZA) experienced the most severe daily drawdown, retreating 3.51%. Broad European markets exhibited coordinated weakness, highlighted by a 1.79% decline in France (EWQ) and a 1.24% reduction in Germany (EWG).

Name (Ticker) 1-Day % Change 1 Month 3 Month YTD 1 Year
Developed Markets
Hong Kong (EWH) -0.52% -1.68% 7.44% 7.11% 32.08%
Netherlands (EWN) -0.56% -4.90% 3.88% 2.81% 29.65%
Japan (EWJ) -0.99% -11.18% 3.00% 3.24% 25.92%
Switzerland (EWL) -1.08% -7.95% 0.60% -2.07% 14.76%
Dev ex-U.S. (EFA) -1.19% -7.62% 1.61% 0.28% 21.34%
U.K. (EWU) -1.20% -4.06% 6.77% 3.07% 27.00%
Germany (EWG) -1.24% -9.39% -5.55% -6.26% 7.74%
Canada (EWC) -1.47% -2.03% 3.03% 2.04% 42.23%
Australia (EWA) -1.55% -4.05% 7.32% 6.83% 25.52%
France (EWQ) -1.79% -8.35% -4.15% -4.87% 8.70%
Emerging Markets
South Korea (EWY) 0.53% -7.33% 37.02% 27.70% 129.94%
Malaysia (EWM) 0.39% -3.63% 7.84% 4.68% 29.69%
Taiwan (EWT) 0.33% -4.19% 14.22% 10.17% 47.52%
China (MCHI) 0.17% -4.26% -4.92% -3.81% 5.90%
Emerging (EEM) -0.26% -7.07% 6.23% 3.82% 32.87%
Mexico (EWW) -0.89% -11.72% 3.16% 3.17% 45.03%
Thailand (THD) -0.91% -7.11% 10.94% 9.44% 29.69%
India (INDA) -0.95% -9.13% -9.56% -11.08% -0.93%
Brazil (EWZ) -1.74% -6.75% 10.34% 11.71% 50.94%
Indonesia (EIDO) -2.14% -12.66% -16.47% -17.01% -3.81%
South Africa (EZA) -3.51% -11.58% 2.38% -3.20% 55.01%

Fixed Income

The municipal bond complex exhibited isolated strength within fixed income, as Municipal High Yield (HYD) and Municipal Long (MLN) advanced 0.44% and 0.40%, respectively. Shorter-duration taxable instruments, including Taxable Ultrashort (BIL), posted marginal gains of 0.03% amidst an otherwise flat-to-negative environment. Long-duration sovereign exposure experienced the most acute daily pressure, reflected by a 0.49% decline in the Government Long (SPTL) proxy. International debt profiles also contracted, with the International Local (IGOV) instrument falling 0.99% alongside a 0.83% drop in Emerging Local (EMLC).

Name (Ticker) 1-Day % Change 1 Month 3 Month YTD 1 Year
Multisector
Taxable Short-Term (BSV) 0.01% -0.61% 0.42% 0.10% 4.51%
Taxable Core (AGG) -0.08% -1.45% 0.37% -0.03% 4.77%
Taxable Core Enhanced (IUSB) -0.17% -1.50% 0.27% -0.11% 5.01%
Taxable Long Term (BLV) -0.47% -3.44% -0.49% -0.90% 2.18%
Government
Taxable Ultrashort (BIL) 0.03% 0.27% 0.87% 0.71% 4.04%
Government Short (SPTS) 0.03% -0.33% 0.55% 0.26% 4.04%
Government Intermediate (SPTI) 0.00% -0.99% 0.41% 0.09% 4.81%
Inflation Protected (TIP) -0.20% -0.61% 0.75% 0.73% 4.48%
Government Long (SPTL) -0.49% -3.02% 0.21% -0.21% 0.76%
Specialty
Convertible (CWB) 0.02% -2.45% 2.42% 3.45% 23.20%
Mortgage Backed (MBS) 0.01% -1.37% 0.99% 0.36% 6.14%
Corporate (SPIB) -0.18% -1.41% 0.05% -0.38% 5.78%
Taxable High Yield (HYG) -0.19% -1.56% -0.26% -0.80% 6.91%
Bank Loans (BKLN) -0.20% -0.38% -1.15% -1.59% 5.41%
Preferred Stock (PFF) -0.58% -3.12% -0.26% -0.28% 5.17%
International & EM
International USD (BNDX) -0.17% -1.46% -0.03% -0.23% 3.42%
Emerging USD (EMB) -0.49% -2.72% -0.73% -1.14% 9.58%
Emerging (EMLC) -0.83% -4.70% -0.74% -1.81% 11.16%
International (IGOV) -0.99% -4.98% -1.83% -2.06% 4.84%
Municipals
Municipal High Yield (HYD) 0.44% -0.72% 0.48% -0.13% 2.22%
Municipal Long (MLN) 0.40% -0.25% 1.41% 0.78% 4.54%
Municipal Intermediate (MUB) 0.25% -0.67% 1.18% 0.66% 4.65%
Municipal Short (SUB) 0.10% -0.20% 0.92% 0.66% 3.80%

Commodities

Agricultural products demonstrated resilient daily behavior, headlined by a 2.23% positive move in Wheat (WEAT). Within the energy complex, Brent Crude Oil (BNO) increased 1.64%, augmenting its year-to-date performance to 73.16%. Precious metals encountered intense daily liquidation, with Silver (SLV) and Platinum (PPLT) declining 4.96% and 5.18%, respectively. The broader Industrial Metals (DBB) index also weakened, contracting 3.10% over the session.

Name (Ticker) 1-Day % Change 1 Month 3 Month YTD 1 Year
Broad Commodities (DJP) -0.46% 17.22% 27.80% 26.88% 37.95%
Agriculture
Wheat (WEAT) 2.23% 11.68% 14.13% 17.33% -4.37%
Corn (CORN) 0.43% 5.78% 5.18% 5.30% -1.16%
Sugar (CANE) 0.21% 8.08% 0.10% 0.05% -20.96%
Agriculture (DBA) 0.00% 3.72% 4.48% 4.82% 4.09%
Soybeans (SOYB) -0.32% 5.63% 9.95% 13.27% 16.68%
Energy
Gasoline (UGA) 2.05% 43.10% 53.19% 56.96% 62.43%
Brent Crude Oil (BNO) 1.64% 53.78% 73.59% 73.16% 70.04%
WTI Crude Oil (USO) 1.27% 57.29% 74.23% 73.35% 67.40%
Energy (DBE) 0.28% 49.45% 62.24% 63.53% 60.88%
Natural Gas (UNG) -3.07% -0.86% 1.61% -0.71% -41.02%
Industrial Metals
Copper (CPER) -2.11% -2.08% 6.06% -0.40% 13.13%
Industrial Metals (DBB) -3.10% 0.85% 10.12% 3.66% 22.43%
Precious Metals
Gold (GLD) -1.29% -0.38% 16.54% 16.28% 67.50%
Precious Metals (DBP) -2.12% 0.61% 18.20% 14.51% 75.06%
Palladium (PALL) -4.27% -8.28% 3.12% -3.18% 60.19%
Silver (SLV) -4.96% 4.26% 29.57% 12.84% 136.47%
Platinum (PPLT) -5.18% -1.68% 15.59% -1.39% 102.01%

Cryptocurrency

Digital assets posted uniform daily gains, led by a 2.58% advance in the Solana (SOLZ) proxy. Ethereum (ETHA) followed closely with a 1.66% increase, though it remains mired in a 31.71% three-month drawdown. Bitcoin (IBIT) advanced 1.05% for the session, bringing its trailing one-month performance to a positive 3.59%. Despite the near-term recovery, the broader Multi-Coin (NCIQ) benchmark remains down 21.04% on a year-to-date basis.

Name (Ticker) 1-Day % Change 1 Month 3 Month YTD 1 Year
Multi-Coin (NCIQ) 0.64% 2.69% -24.04% -21.04% -11.92%
Bitcoin (IBIT) 1.05% 3.59% -21.15% -18.69% -11.31%
XRP (XRP) 1.55% -1.01% -30.06% -23.59%
Ethereum (ETHA) 1.66% 2.91% -31.71% -29.16% 13.66%
Solana (SOLZ) 2.58% 4.83% -32.78% -28.75%

What to Watch Today

Market participants will pivot their attention to upcoming manufacturing and industrial production data points expected prior to the opening bell. Shifts in forward-looking consumer sentiment indices will also be heavily scrutinized for implications on discretionary spending. Continued assessment of energy inventory levels may dictate near-term pricing momentum across the crude complex. Additionally, ongoing developments in global monetary policy signaling will heavily influence duration positioning within the fixed income markets.

This material is for informational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice. All investments, including ETFs, involve risk, including the possible loss of principal. Investors should consider their investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses carefully before investing.

This analysis was developed by the team at ETF Action. We leverage advanced AI tools to assist in the drafting and refinement of our content, based on our expert prompts, direction, and final review.