South Korea and Bitcoin Miners Outperform Amid Global Growth Momentum

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Macro Overview

Equity markets showed mixed performance on Tuesday, with a notable growth-oriented bias in U.S. large caps while small-cap segments lagged. The S&P 500 (IVV) advanced 0.40%, supported by a continued push in high-momentum segments, even as Small Cap Blend (IJR) fell 0.37%. International markets provided a significant tailwind, with Developed Markets ex-U.S. (EFA) gaining 1.61% and Emerging Markets (EEM) rising 1.98%. A standout outlier was South Korea (EWY), which surged 4.59% on the day, extending its exceptional technical strength. Meanwhile, the fixed income market saw defensive posture as long-term yields pressured long-duration assets like Government Long (SPTL), while broad commodities (DJP) appreciated 1.45% amid rising energy and precious metals prices.

U.S. Size & Style

The daily narrative in the U.S. was dominated by the outperformance of large-cap growth over value, as Large Growth (IVW) climbed 0.94% while its value counterpart (IVE) retreated into negative territory. Technically, the Large Cap (IVV) segment is sitting at a 52-week high with a healthy RSI of 58.84, though breadth remains concentrated with only 64.45% of constituents trading above their 200-day moving average. Smaller segments struggled to maintain momentum, with Small Growth (IJT) ending the day as the session laggard, down 0.51%.

Name (Ticker) 1-Day % Change 1 Month 3 Month YTD 1 Year
Large Growth (IVW) 0.94% 0.39% 0.81% 1.80% 23.04%
Large Cap (IVV) 0.40% 0.78% 1.82% 2.00% 17.48%
Mid Growth (IJK) 0.19% 3.86% 5.37% 6.26% 10.24%
Mid Cap (IJH) 0.00% 3.39% 5.61% 5.47% 9.10%
Small Value (IJS) -0.12% 4.75% 7.73% 6.60% 10.22%
Mid Value (IJJ) -0.16% 2.91% 5.71% 4.58% 7.65%
Large Value (IVE) -0.18% 1.19% 3.00% 2.20% 11.29%
Small Cap (IJR) -0.37% 3.68% 5.87% 6.22% 9.12%
Small Growth (IJT) -0.51% 2.78% 4.05% 5.89% 7.94%

U.S. Sectors & Industries

Sector performance was highly bifurcated, led by the Technology (XLK) and Utilities (XLU) sectors, both gaining over 1.3%. Energy (XLE) showed strong technical momentum, ending at a 52-week high with a heavily overbought RSI of 72.70. Conversely, Health Care (XLV) and Financials (XLF) faced sharp declines; the Health Care Providers & Services (XHS) industry was particularly hard-hit, plummeting 4.39% in a single session.

Name (Ticker) 1-Day % Change 1 Month 3 Month YTD 1 Year
Technology (XLK) 1.35% 1.04% -0.82% 2.83% 30.91%
Utilities (XLU) 1.31% 1.52% -4.51% 1.73% 15.04%
Energy (XLE) 0.91% 12.38% 13.48% 11.09% 13.62%
Consumer Staples (XLP) 0.46% 6.30% 5.82% 7.05% 6.78%
Industrials (XLI) 0.41% 4.99% 6.31% 6.41% 20.21%
Consumer Discretionary (XLY) 0.30% 0.52% 1.98% 2.75% 6.98%
Real Estate (XLRE) 0.07% 1.80% -2.44% 2.23% 1.66%
Materials (XLB) -0.10% 8.39% 12.93% 10.21% 14.47%
Communication Services (XLC) -0.74% -0.91% 0.10% -0.70% 17.22%
Financials (XLF) -0.77% -4.71% -0.28% -3.23% 4.51%
Health Care (XLV) -1.68% -0.38% 6.65% 0.42% 7.20%

Global Thematic

Crypto-adjacent and uranium themes dominated thematic performance today, with the Bitcoin Mining ETF (WGMI) leading the field with a professional 9.27% gain. Uranium & Nuclear Energy (URA) also exhibited significant strength, rising 5.32%. On the negative side, sentiment shifted against cannabis and certain cloud segments, with Pure US Cannabis (MSOS) shedding 4.59% as the day’s primary laggard.

Name (Ticker) 1-Day % Change
Thematic Leaders
Bitcoin Mining (WGMI) 9.27%
Blockchain (BKCH) 7.49%
Junior Uranium Miners (URNJ) 6.43%
Digital Transformation (DAPP) 5.48%
Uranium (URA) 5.32%
Thematic Laggards
Pure US Cannabis (MSOS) -4.59%
Alternative Harvest (MJ) -2.27%
Cloud Computing (WCLD) -1.70%
Digital Payments (IPAY) -1.63%
Innovative Technology (XITK) -1.36%

Developed ex-U.S. & Emerging Markets

Global markets were broadly positive, led by an extraordinary 4.59% gain in South Korea (EWY), which is currently exhibiting extreme overbought conditions with an RSI of 82.76. In Emerging Markets, Brazil (EWZ) also displayed robust strength, advancing 3.50%. In contrast, India (INDA) was a relative laggard in the EM space, showing signs of oversold behavior with an RSI of 35.37 and a daily gain of only 0.49%.

Name (Ticker) 1-Day % Change 1 Month 3 Month YTD 1 Year
Developed Markets
South Korea (EWY) 4.59% 28.03% 33.06% 26.21% 130.05%
Switzerland (EWL) 2.26% 3.35% 9.89% 4.35% 27.93%
Australia (EWA) 2.24% 5.85% 4.95% 7.83% 17.26%
Hong Kong (EWH) 1.93% 6.21% 11.12% 9.51% 49.34%
Dev ex-U.S. (EFA) 1.61% 5.72% 8.62% 6.31% 33.46%
U.K. (EWU) 1.46% 5.11% 10.29% 5.73% 36.61%
Japan (EWJ) 1.43% 6.01% 6.66% 6.32% 32.58%
Netherlands (EWN) 1.42% 11.44% 11.04% 11.70% 46.85%
France (EWQ) 1.10% 2.15% 2.33% 2.58% 21.16%
Germany (EWG) 1.05% 3.87% 6.03% 4.24% 30.49%
Canada (EWC) 0.88% 2.52% 11.60% 4.17% 38.13%
Emerging Markets
Brazil (EWZ) 3.50% 19.81% 27.56% 19.26% 62.20%
Thailand (THD) 2.60% 7.12% 7.93% 9.23% 14.59%
South Africa (EZA) 2.12% 12.39% 29.85% 14.85% 97.49%
Emerging (EEM) 1.98% 10.11% 9.87% 10.29% 46.54%
Taiwan (EWT) 1.97% 13.17% 11.39% 12.26% 47.94%
Malaysia (EWM) 1.90% 8.76% 17.63% 9.87% 29.83%
Mexico (EWW) 1.51% 9.43% 19.66% 12.30% 63.95%
China (MCHI) 1.01% 3.30% -2.32% 5.36% 35.51%
India (INDA) 0.49% -3.99% -5.54% -4.37% 3.19%
Indonesia (EIDO) -0.10% 3.95% 7.05% 2.57% 6.98%

Fixed Income

The fixed income market showed a notable preference for credit over duration today, with Convertible (CWB) bonds leading all categories with a 1.29% gain. Long-duration assets struggled as interest rate sensitivity weighed on returns; Government Long (SPTL) fell 0.56% while Taxable Long Term (BLV) dropped 0.40%. Emerging Markets Local Debt (EMLC) remained a bright spot in the international space, advancing 0.83% on the day.

Name (Ticker) 1-Day % Change 1 Month 3 Month YTD 1 Year
Multisector
Taxable Short-Term (BSV) 0.05% 0.09% 0.64% 0.06% 5.66%
Taxable Core Enhanced (IUSB) -0.04% 0.17% 0.17% 0.37% 7.09%
Taxable Core (AGG) -0.07% 0.15% -0.03% 0.31% 6.81%
Taxable Long Term (BLV) -0.40% 0.19% -2.26% 0.69% 5.96%
Government
Government Short (SPTS) 0.03% 0.14% 0.70% 0.03% 4.83%
Taxable Ultrashort (BIL) 0.01% 0.26% 0.93% 0.24% 4.09%
Inflation Protected (TIP) 0.01% 0.31% -0.47% 0.44% 5.91%
Government Intermediate (SPTI) -0.03% -0.31% -0.05% -0.17% 6.62%
Government Long (SPTL) -0.56% 0.00% -2.67% 0.45% 4.76%
Specialty
Convertible (CWB) 1.29% 4.97% 2.08% 6.40% 20.98%
Corporate (SPIB) 0.06% 0.12% 0.60% 0.27% 7.51%
Taxable High Yield (HYG) -0.01% 0.71% 1.32% 0.67% 7.74%
Mortgage Backed (MBS) -0.01% 0.40% 0.67% 0.55% 8.40%
Bank Loans (BKLN) -0.10% -0.30% 1.25% -0.35% 5.93%
Preferred Stock (PFF) -0.13% 2.51% 1.69% 2.84% 5.11%
International & EM
International Local (IGOV) 1.18% 2.47% 2.16% 3.00% 12.60%
Emerging Local (EMLC) 0.83% 2.78% 5.49% 2.90% 19.16%
International USD (BNDX) -0.02% 0.21% -0.33% 0.41% 3.42%
Emerging USD (EMB) -0.04% 0.25% 0.96% 0.52% 12.48%
Municipals
Municipal Intermediate (MUB) 0.07% 0.79% 0.91% 0.58% 4.11%
Municipal Short (SUB) 0.03% 0.61% 1.33% 0.48% 3.85%
Municipal Long (MLN) 0.00% -0.30% -0.38% -0.06% 2.27%
Municipal High Yield (HYD) 0.00% 0.27% 1.07% 0.18% 2.91%

Commodities

Energy and precious metals provided strong performance on Tuesday, lifting the Broad Commodities (DJP) index by 1.45%. Silver (SLV) was the day’s standout with a 3.30% jump, while WTI Crude Oil (USO) gained nearly 3% as global demand outlooks shifted. In contrast, palladium and platinum faced sharp pullbacks, with Palladium (PALL) dropping 4.78%, signaling a divergent path within the metals complex.

Name (Ticker) 1-Day % Change 1 Month 3 Month YTD 1 Year
Broad Commodities (DJP) 1.45% 9.91% 17.89% 13.56% 28.18%
Agriculture
Sugar (CANE) 0.64% -2.65% 3.01% -1.69% -15.73%
Soybeans (SOYB) 0.50% -0.18% -1.50% 2.01% 0.86%
Broad-based (DBA) 0.31% 0.70% 1.81% 1.25% -2.03%
Wheat (WEAT) -0.15% 0.29% -2.61% 2.65% -14.05%
Corn (CORN) -0.19% -4.32% -3.09% -2.33% -11.78%
Energy
WTI Crude Oil (USO) 2.97% 10.48% 3.47% 9.40% -2.91%
Brent Crude Oil (BNO) 2.78% 11.85% 5.79% 10.95% 0.87%
Broad-based (DBE) 2.65% 10.78% 5.03% 10.49% 4.67%
Natural Gas (UNG) -0.88% 14.75% 14.04% 19.90% -14.29%
Industrial Metals
Broad-based (DBB) 0.12% 6.34% 14.53% 6.02% 32.03%
Copper (CPER) 0.11% 2.15% 14.67% 4.63% 37.36%
Precious Metals
Silver (SLV) 3.30% 42.84% 139.60% 57.70% 269.96%
Gold (GLD) 2.45% 14.24% 29.72% 20.13% 88.19%
Broad-based (DBP) 2.28% 19.17% 47.68% 27.96% 113.37%
Platinum (PPLT) -3.64% 8.01% 64.80% 27.54% 174.10%
Palladium (PALL) -4.78% -0.52% 37.33% 20.37% 98.92%

Cryptocurrency

The digital asset market rebounded on Tuesday, led by a strong 4.25% gain in Ethereum (ETHA). Solana (SOLZ) also outperformed the broader crypto market, advancing 2.91%. Bitcoin (IBIT) saw a more measured rise of 1.97%, finding support after a period of volatility that has left it down over 22% on a three-month basis.

Name (Ticker) 1-Day % Change 1 Month 3 Month YTD 1 Year
XRP (XRP) 1.56% 3.56% N/A 4.87% N/A
Bitcoin (IBIT) 1.97% 2.06% -22.44% 1.97% -12.21%
Multi-Coin (NCIQ) 2.29% 2.33% -24.28% 2.35% N/A
Solana (SOLZ) 2.91% 3.88% -37.62% 2.17% N/A
Ethereum (ETHA) 4.25% 3.12% -28.09% 1.78% -4.04%

What to Watch Today

As the market moves into mid-week, all eyes are on the upcoming preliminary GDP prints and persistent inflation data, which will likely dictate the path for fixed income duration. The continued technical stretch in international markets, particularly South Korea and Brazil, suggests potential for a consolidation phase if global macro sentiment shifts. Investors will also be monitoring crude oil inventories to see if the recent energy surge has staying power or if it will face resistance at current 52-week highs.

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.