XLV traded relatively flat for a third straight week, consolidating gains above all key moving averages including the 200-
DMA ($131.08). Its RS line was flat over the last week, but still holding trend, warranting an equal/overweight sector
positioning. Drug stocks have been leading over the last few weeks driven by acquisitions, earnings and positive trial
results. After leading early through earnings season, Hospitals have pulled back to levels of support. Other areas are
mixed with Bioproduction remaining out of favor.
Author: Raj Gupta
Market View
The U.S. market status remains in a Confirmed Uptrend. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq rallied from 50-DMA (4,042/11,846) support for a second straight week to remain within a range and just below resistance at February highs (4,195/12,269). The distribution day count increased to five and six, respectively, with one day expiring on the Nasdaq next week.
O’Neil Health Care Weekly
XLV declined 57bps last week, but held logical downside support along its 200-DMA ($131). The next level of resistance is
$135.81. Its RS line pulled back over the last week, but is still holding trend, warranting an equal/overweight sector
positioning. Medical Services and Medical Devices continue to lead within the sector, with Biotech more mixed.
Bioprocessing remains well out of favor, despite being downside extended.
O’Neil Market View
The U.S. market status has shifted back to a Confirmed Uptrend. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq rallied strongly from 50-DMA (4,034/11,800) support this week to quickly regain 21-DMA (4,102/12,016) support and move back toward year-to-date (4,195/12,269) high resistance. The distribution day count remains at two and four, respectively.
O’Neil Health Care Weekly
XLV declined 20bps last week, consolidating gains constructively above its 10-DMA with the next level of resistance at
$135-$137. Support is at the 200-DMA ($130.86). Its RS line is still trending upwards, warranting an overweight sector
positioning. Medical Services, Biotech and Med-tech are leading this recent move, while Managed Care and
Equipment are lagging.
Market View
The U.S. market remains in a Confirmed Uptrend. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq traded relatively flat for a third straight
week, consolidating gains above 21-DMA (4,093/12,009) support and below February high resistance (4,195/12,269). The
distribution day count stands at one and three, respectively.
O’Neil Health Care Weekly
XLV rallied 79bps last week, in-line with the S&P 500, but better than the Nasdaq for a third straight week. It is now
approaching the next level of resistance between $135-$137 with support still at the 200-DMA ($130.74). Its RS line is
hovering near three-month highs, warranting an overweight sector positioning. Medical Products and Services
continue to lead.
Market View
The U.S. market remains in a Confirmed Uptrend. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq traded relatively flat for a second straight
week, consolidating gains above 10- and 21-DMA (4,062/11,945) support and below February high resistance
(4,195/12,269). The distribution day count stands at zero and three, respectively.
O’Neil Health Care Weekly
XLV rallied 3.1% last week, sharply outperforming the broader market. It regained its 50- and 200-DMA on good volume with the next level of resistance at $134-$137. Support is now the 200-DMA ($130.57). Its RS line made a higher high for the first time this year, warranting a shift to overweight. Action was fairly broad (see heat map), with Services leading last week. Biotech and Bio-production remain out of favor.
Market View
The U.S. market remains in a Confirmed Uptrend. The S&P 500 traded relatively flat this week, consolidating sharp three-week gains above 10- and 21-DMA (4,027) support with the next level of resistance at the February high of 4,195. The Nasdaq pulled back 1.1%, also consolidating gains above its 21-DMA (11,868) with resistance at its February high of 12,269. The S&P 500 has yet to record a distribution day, while the Nasdaq has added one.