Market Cycle Analysis

This dashboard tracks the Relative Strength (RS) of each sector versus the S&P 500 (SPY). Sectors rotate clockwise through four phases: ImprovingLeadingWeakeningLagging.

LEADING

Strong Trend + Outperforming
XLV Healthcare
3M: +10.86% 1M: -3.98%
$156.05
+0.16%

WEAKENING

Outperforming but Losing Momentum
XLK Technology
3M: +0.79% 1M: +2.23%
$146.53
+0.16%

IMPROVING

Underperforming but Gaining Momentum
XLB Materials Top Pick
3M: -0.5% 1M: +2.76%
$46.11
+0.59%
XLF Financials Top Pick
3M: -1.04% 1M: +3.6%
$55.62
-0.2%
XLY Discretionary Top Pick
3M: -2.47% 1M: +2.32%
$122.05
-0.44%
XLP Staples
3M: -3.96% 1M: -2.05%
$78.23
+0.14%
XLC Comm. Services
3M: -4.47% 1M: +0.95%
$117.97
-0.1%
XLRE Real Estate
3M: -7.55% 1M: -4.13%
$40.52
+0.2%

LAGGING

Underperforming & Weak Trend
XLI Industrials
3M: -1.27% 1M: +1.22%
$157.21
-0.18%
XLU Utilities
3M: -5.74% 1M: -5.92%
$42.78
-0.07%
XLE Energy
3M: -8.21% 1M: -2.5%
$44.2
-0.38%

Strategy Transparency

Methodology

This dashboard implements a Relative Rotation Graph (RRG) methodology. It plots sectors based on their relative strength (RS) versus the market benchmark (SPY).

  • Leading Strong uptrend & outperforming SPY. The ideal place for long positions.
  • Weakening Still outperforming, but momentum is fading. Often a signal to take profits.
  • Lagging Weak trend & underperforming. Avoid these sectors.
  • Improving Momentum is picking up, although still negative vs SPY. Good for "bottom fishing".

Strengths & Weaknesses

Why it works
  • Defensive: Naturally rotates out of crashing sectors (like Tech in '22).
  • Tactical Alpha: The 1M Signal (Top Pick) historically outperforms SPY by reacting faster to new trends.
Risks
  • Bull Market Drag: In a strong "everything rally", rotation strategies often lag buy-and-hold.
  • Whipsaw: False breakouts in "Improving" sectors can lead to losses if the trend fails.