EWS

Singapore Stays Strong

Singapore’s strong economy has resulted in a strong stock market even as US equities have weakened over the past few months. The MSCI Singapore Index Fund (EWS) is up nearly 10% since March 1 compared to a 5% decline for the S&P 500 over the same time period.

TLT

Treasuries Take Off

The lackluster economy has stalled stocks and sent investors in search of safe returns. As a result, one of the best performing asset classes in recent months has been long term treasuries.

IGW

Semiconductors Underperform

Semiconductor stocks have underperformed the broader market as the outlook for the tech sector has become more uncertain. The exchange traded fund S&P North American Technology-Semiconductors Sector Index Fund (IGW) with top holdings including Texas Instruments, Intel and Applied Materials, is down 15% since the beginning of May.

VCR

Stocks Resume Slide

Stocks fell on July 16 after gaining ground in eight straight trading sessions. The SPDR S&P500 (SPY) fell 2.75% on Friday, ending a streak in which stocks gained 7.3%.

VXX

Volatility is Back

Volatility made a comeback in the second quarter. The S&P 500 VIX Short-Term Futures ETN (VXX) is up nearly 50% since the beginning of April compared to nearly a 13% decline for the SPDR S&P 500 (SPY) over the same time period.

XHB

Homebuilders Retreat

May’s correction hurt housing related stocks more than most other sectors. The SPDR S&P Homebuilders ETF (XHB) declined over 20% since May 3 before rebounding slightly last week.

UNG

Natural Gas Breaks Out

After a long decline, natural gas has rebounded and is now trading at levels not seen since March. At the same time, oil continues to decline in concert with the Euro, despite a moratorium on new offshore drilling.

IYZ

Telecom Sector Remains Buoyant

While the current stock market correction has brought most sectors down, at least one has held up better than the rest. The telecom sector has experienced less of a decline than the overall market over the past four weeks.

XLY

Consumer Discretionary Stays in Front

Last week’s stock market decline saw equities fall more than 10% from April highs, the level generally recognized as a correction. However, even in a broad pullback, some groups continue to fare better than others.

FXE

Euro Slides, Gold Shines

While the European debt crisis continues to take a toll on the Euro, investors have been pushing up the price of gold. The Euro hit a four year low yesterday with the CurrencyShares Euro Trust (FXE) trading as low as $122.47 yesterday before closing at $123.48.