ETF Outlook For Thursday, February 13, 2014 (XSD, VNM, PXN, COPX)

ETF Outlook for Thursday, February 13, 2014

SPDR S&P Semiconductor ETF XSD

The technology ETF rallied 1.8 percent yesterday leading the sector ETFs on a mixed day for the stock market. The ETF is outpacing its peers as it hit a new multi-year high on the back of the big rally. The reason for the outperformance is the diversity among the ETFs holdings.

Unlike other semiconductor ETFs, XSD does not have more than 3 percent in one stock and the top holdings are not the big names investors are familiar with. The top holdings include LSI Corporation LSI, Freescale Semiconductor FSL, and Avago Technologies AVGO.

Market Vector Vietnam ETF VNM

Another frontier market ETF is outperforming again with VNM rallying 1.7 percent yesterday to a new 11 month high. The volume for the small Asian country has increased dramatically over the last month as the ETF has rallied over 20 percent from the December 2013 low.

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As long as VNM can hold above the $21.50 area in the next week it will confirm the breakout and the next target will be the $24 resistance level.

PowerShares Lux Nanotech ETF PXN

One of the best performing ETFs this year, PXN is up over 10 percent and yesterday the ETF gained 1.5 percent to close at the best level August 2011. The niche sector ETF focuses on companies that in the business of supporting the nanotech industry as well as funding nanotech companies. The top 10 holdings are name most investors have never heard of and that is often a great way to find new stock ideas. 

And unfortunately for interested investors, the ETF will be closing next week due to a lack of assets – sitting at $25 million. Before the ETF closes investors interested in sector should analyze the top holdings such as Arrowhead Research ARWR for some new and exciting stock ideas.

Global X Copper Miners ETF COPX

The price of copper has been creeping up and taking the copper miners up have been benefiting. COPX closed yesterday with a gain of 1.2 percent and at the best level since November. The top two holdings, which make up 12 percent of the portfolio are based in Canada and are in the midst of strong uptrends.

The future performance of copper and COPX will be tied directly to the health of the Chinese economy. Yesterday’s trade numbers were a step in the right direction for the country’s economy and could be a turnaround story for copper.