Fund Rankings Update, 1/23/2026

The Weekly Average Momentum Index (AMI) rankings of HSA, SSPP, RSP, SELECT, ETF, iETF, and sETF have been posted on the "Rankings" and "Trading Logs" pages.

U.S. equities finished slightly lower this week following a period of geopolitical volatility.  Markets opened sharply lower on Tuesday after President Trump threatened new tariffs on European nations regarding Greenland. However, indices recovered much of their losses midweek after the President and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte agreed on a framework for future negotiations, easing trade concerns.  On the economic front, growth remains robust. The BEA’s reported data show real GDP grew at an annual rate of 4.4%, slightly outpacing initial estimates. Inflation remains a focal point, with the November core PCE price index holding steady at a 0.2% monthly increase (2.8% year-over-year).   For the week, the S&P 500 fell 0.35% to close at 6915, the Dow Jones Industrial Average decreased 0.53%, and the Nasdaq Composite index edged down 0.06%.

The S&P 500 continued its sideways consolidation in this holiday-shortened week. The index first dropped to a weekly low near 6,796 following geopolitical tensions regarding Greenland and potential European tariffs.  However, it displayed significant resilience, rallying in the latter half of the week after tensions eased, ultimately stabilizing to finish at 6,915 on Friday.  Our technical view of the index remains positive. The healthy consolidation will be the catalyst for the index to begin its next leg toward the 7,200 target.

The weekly chart of the S&P 500 index

Fund Rankings Update, 1/16/2026

The Weekly Average Momentum Index (AMI) rankings of HSA, SSPP, RSP, SELECT, ETF, iETF, and sETF have been posted on the "Rankings" and "Trading Logs" pages.

U.S. equities edged lower this week, with the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average pulling back slightly from recent record peaks. Despite the negative bias, inflation data offered a silver lining: the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported core CPI gains of 0.2% monthly and 2.6% annually, both coming in cooler than anticipated. Additionally, the housing market showed unexpected strength as mortgage rates continued to soften.  For the week, the S&P 500 fell 0.38% to close at 6940, the Dow Jones Industrial Average decreased 0.29%, and the Nasdaq Composite index went down 0.66%.

The S&P 500 moved sideways this week, finishing at 6,940—just 4 points shy of its opening. Encouragingly, the index held firm above 6,920, successfully flipping that previous resistance level into a new support. This period of healthy consolidation above 6,920 remains the primary catalyst needed for the index to begin its next leg toward the 7,200 target.

The weekly chart of the S&P 500 index

Fund Rankings Update, 1/9/2026

The Weekly Average Momentum Index (AMI) rankings of HSA, SSPP, RSP, SELECT, ETF, iETF, and sETF have been posted on the "Rankings" and "Trading Logs" pages.

Trading signal occurs in FEMKX timing system: Sell Cash, Buy FEMKX

U.S. stocks began the new year with a strong push. Small caps and value stocks outperformed large-cap growth stocks.  Economic data showed signs of cooling in the US labor market, as the December nonfarm payroll added only 50,000 jobs, less than expected.  Additionally, ADP reported that private payrolls increased by 41,000 in December, far less than the expected 47,000.  For the week, the S&P 500 advanced 1.57% to close at 6966, the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.57%, and the Nasdaq Composite index jumped 1.88%.

The S&P 500 has demonstrated significant bullish strength, decisively closing at 6,966 and clearing the critical 6,920 resistance level. This breakout confirms a continuation of the prevailing uptrend as the index marches toward our price target of 7,200.

The weekly chart of the S&P 500 index

Fund Rankings Update, 1/2/2026

The Weekly Average Momentum Index (AMI) rankings of HSA, SSPP, RSP, SELECT, ETF, iETF, and sETF have been posted on the "Rankings" and "Trading Logs" pages.

U.S. stocks closed lower during this holiday-shortened week, with major indices generating impressed double-digit gains for 2025.   For the week, the S&P 500 fell 1.03% to close at 6858, the Dow Jones Industrial Average decreased 0.67%, and the Nasdaq Composite index slumped 1.52%.

After reaching an all-time high last week, the S&P 500 index retreated and went sideways this week.  Key levels to watch include the 6920 resistance mark—a successful breakout and hold above this level would signal continued bullish momentum. Conversely, if the index continues to soften, we expect it to test support at the 28-week EMA, currently positioned at 6575.

The weekly chart of the S&P 500 index

 

Fund Rankings Update, 12/26/2025

The Weekly Average Momentum Index (AMI) rankings of HSA, SSPP, RSP, SELECT, ETF, iETF, and sETF have been posted on the "Rankings" and "Trading Logs" pages.

Trading signal occurs in SSPP model portfolio: Sell FEMKX, Buy FDSCX

U.S. stocks rallied broadly during the holiday-shortened week, lifting the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average to fresh record highs.  Market sentiment was bolstered by the report from the Bureau of Economic Analysis on Tuesday, showing that the US economy expanded more than expected, with the 3rd quarter GDP growing at a rate of 4.3% well above the consensus estimate of 3%. Elsewhere, the Conference Board reported that U.S. consumer confidence slid for the fifth month in December as the Consumer Confidence Index dropped to 89.1, well below the estimate of 91.5.  Investors, however,  largely look past the consumer data.  For the week, the S&P 500 jumped 1.4% to close at 6929, the Dow Jones Industrial Average increased 1.2%, and the Nasdaq Composite index advanced 1.22%.

The S&P 500 has successfully broken through its 3-week consolidation pattern, securing a record close at 6,929 this week. By surpassing the critical 6,920 resistance level, the index has cleared the way for further gains. Should the 'Santa Claus Rally' maintain this momentum and hold 6,920 as new support next week, we anticipate a continued upward trajectory toward the 7,200 milestone.

The weekly chart of the S&P 500 index

Fund Rankings Update, 12/19/2025

The Weekly Average Momentum Index (AMI) rankings of HSA, SSPP, RSP, SELECT, ETF, iETF, and sETF have been posted on the "Rankings" and "Trading Logs" pages.

Stocks went largely stagnant this week, with major indices delivering mixed performance. The small-cap and industrial sectors, which led the market the prior week, underperformed this week, while the tech sectors staged a comeback. On the economic data front, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the unemployment rate rose to 4.6% in November, the highest level in over four years, while the inflation rate(CPI) unexpectedly cooled to 2.7% in November.   For the week, the S&P 500 nudged up 0.1% to close at 6834, the Dow Jones Industrial Average decreased 0.67%, and the Nasdaq Composite index went up 0.48%.

The S&P 500 index remained range-bound for the third week, consolidating near the upper boundary of the flat trading channel. The index is currently bounded by the overhead resistance at 6920 and supported by the 28-week exponential moving average at 6526.  As we enter the holiday-shortened Christmas week, all eyes are on whether a "Santa Claus Rally" will materialize to drive the index toward new year-end highs. 

The weekly chart of the S&P 500 index

 

Fund Rankings Update, 12/12/2025

The Weekly Average Momentum Index (AMI) rankings of HSA, SSPP, RSP, SELECT, ETF, iETF, and sETF have been posted on the "Rankings" and "Trading Logs" pages.

Trading signal occurs in ETF model portfolio: Sell IYW, Buy IBB

Major indices closed the week mixed after the Fed cut the interest rate by 0.25%. The small-cap and industrial sectors outperformed the broader market, while the tech sectors experienced a slump. The focus of the week lies on the Fed's policy meeting, which concluded with a 025% cut as expected. However, the Fed's statement after the meeting indicated only one more cut coming in the next year, which weighed on investors' sentiment.  For the week, the S&P 500 declined 0.63% to close at 6827, the Dow Jones Industrial Average increased 1.05%, while the Nasdaq Composite index fell 1.62%.

Despite a Federal Reserve rate cut, the S&P 500 was unable to sustain its push, peaking at 6903 before finishing the week at 6827. The index failed to break the critical resistance level identified last week at the previous high of 6920. The next two weeks are crucial: if the index cannot close above 6920, we anticipate a pullback to test support at 6520 and the 28-week Exponential Moving Average at 6503. A breach below the established support structure would confirm a trend reversal. 

The weekly chart of the S&P 500 index