Are Energy Stocks And Banks Cracking?

As technology stocks continue to tick up to new record highs, banks and even more so energy stocks are showing signs of weakness. Yesterday, the Nasdaq (chart) hit an all time high of 6221.99 and the S&P 500 (chart) also notched a record recently at 2418.71. That said, the energy sector has lost almost 10 percent in the last month or so and the banking sector is beginning to technically breakdown. A very noticeable divergence is happening here and I think it is time to pay attention to this recent dynamic. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (chart) remains above 21000 and the small-cap Russell 2000 (chart) is seeking direction.

I am not surprised that certain sectors of the market are showing weakness which is only normal with the tremendous run the markets have had since the election, however, it is the sectors that are breaking down that is a bit alarming to me. One has to ask is the price action in oil and energy stocks indicative of weakening demand hence a weakening economy? Or is this just a matter of too much supply in oil regardless of the O.P.E.C. commitment to its production cuts. As far as the banks are concerned, one would also think with the Federal Reserve raising interest rates at their upcoming meeting in June and committing to additional rate hikes this year. that this would be bullish for bank stocks. Not the case recently. I am a little perplexed to the way the tape has been acting as of late especially pertaining to the aforementioned sectors.

The technical shape of the key indices appear to be intact with the exception of the small-cap Russell 2000. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (chart) is trading well above its 50-day moving average, along with the S&P 500 (chart)  trading near all-time highs and the Nasdaq (chart) as mentioned above hit an all-time high yesterday. However, the small-cap Russell 2000 (chart) is trading below its 50-day moving average and has been challenging certain support zones lately. This is yet another potential alarm along with the energy and banking sector weakness lately. So I would not be surprised to see the selling pressure in these particular sectors continue in the month of June which is historically one of the weakest month of the year for stocks. Good luck to all 🙂

~George