O’Neil Health Care Weekly

XLV declined 78bps last week, its fifth straight down week. Its relative strength line (versus the S&P 500 and Nasdaq)
continues to sharply decline, warranting an equal to underweight sector positioning which we have now been
recommending for the past three weeks. On an absolute basis, support remains the 200-DMA ($130.80).

Market View

The U.S. market remains in a Confirmed Uptrend. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq rallied strongly this week, with both now trading above all key moving averages including the 200-DMA (S&P 500: 3,958; Nasdaq: 11,507). This level will now act as initial near-term support until other shorter-term moving averages rise above. The next level of resistance on the S&P 500 is 4,100 to 4,119, while the Nasdaq’s next test is its September high of 12,270. The distribution day count remains at three and two, respectively.

O’Neil Health Care Weekly

XLV fell 1.1% last week, continuing to underperform the broader market and leading to another low in its Relative Strength
line. This lag continues to warrant an equal to underweight sector positioning. On an absolute basis, support is now at
the 200-DMA ($130.97).

Market View

The U.S. market remains in a Confirmed Uptrend. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq shook out below their respective 50-DMA (S&P 500: 3,929; Nasdaq: 10,908) Thursday, before strongly regaining that level Friday. The S&P 500 now faces a range of resistance between 4,015 to 4,100, while the Nasdaq has resistance from ~11,492 to its rolling 200-DMA (11,567). The distribution day count stands at three and two, respectively.

O’Neil Health Care Weekly

XLV traded relatively flat for a 4th straight week, falling 16bps and again underperforming the broader market. Its RS line continues to fall, warranting an equal to underweight sector positioning. On an absolute basis, there is support at ~$133 to $134, before the 200-DMA.

Market View

The U.S. market remains in a Confirmed Uptrend. The S&P 500 narrowly regained its 200-DMA (3,981) this week, with the next level of resistance at 4,100. The Nasdaq regained its 50-DMA (10,866) and is now testing resistance at the falling 100-DMA (11,058). The distribution day count remains unchanged at two and one, respectively.

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  • Ideas are showing positive technical trends, holding above key price and/or moving average support.
  • Ideas also have positive fundamental ratings and rankings and/or accelerating annual EPS growth.
  • Included are 20 annotated charts.

O’Neil Health Care Weekly

XLV fell 13bps last week, underperforming the S&P 500 and Nasdaq. This lag resulted in its Relative Strength line (vs. the S&P 500 or Nasdaq) ticking lower for the first time since early November which warrants a slight reduction in sector weight. There is support at $133.71, followed by the 200-DMA at $131.08. Resistance remains $140 to $142.

Market View

The U.S. market remains in a Confirmed Uptrend. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq closed the week strong, with the Nasdaq staging a Day 6 follow-through day Friday. The S&P 500 is now trading just below 50-DMA (3,904) resistance, while the Nasdaq faces resistance at its 21-DMA (10,627) before the 50-DMA (10,873). The distribution day count stands at two and one, respectively.

O’Neil Health Care Weekly

XLV fell 17bps last week, in-line with the S&P 500 which kept its relative strength (RS) line at new highs. The sector is
now testing 50-DMA ($134.62) support with the next level below this at the flattening 200-DMA ($131.11). Resistance
remains ~$140 to $142. With an RS line remaining at new highs, an overweight sector positioning remains warranted.