Sectors · updated every trading day
Where the flow is this week.
Updated ·
Ranked by combined momentum (RSI(14) +% distance from SMA50). Prices/technicals computed from split-adjusted daily bars through the 9 October 2026 close. Regime read: neutral (VIX 15.41, calm; breadth 40.7% of names above their 50-day EMA, mixed; SPY +7.1% vs 200-EMA).
Which US sectors have the strongest momentum right now?
As of the 9 October 2026 close, Energy (XLE) ranks first of 12 US sectors on combined momentum, with RSI 62.5 and +4.27% versus its SMA50. Full ranking:
| Rank | Sector | Ticker | Price | RSI(14) | vs SMA50 | vs SMA20 | Signal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Energy | XLE | $65.08 | 62.5 | +4.27% | +2.95% | Above both MAs, momentum positive |
| 2 | Tech | XLK | $198.84 | 61.3 | +5.26% | +2.25% | Above both MAs, momentum positive |
| 3 | S&P 500 | SPY | $778.51 | 60.3 | +1.60% | +1.42% | Neutral-positive — above SMA50, RSI mid-range |
| 4 | Healthcare | XLV | $170.80 | 57.6 | +1.38% | +1.35% | Neutral-positive — above SMA50, RSI mid-range |
| 5 | Semis | SMH | $603.39 | 53.0 | +4.35% | +1.07% | Neutral-positive — above SMA50, RSI mid-range |
| 6 | Staples | XLP | $83.43 | 56.2 | -0.24% | +1.57% | Cooling — RSI under 50 or losing a near MA |
| 7 | Consumer Disc | XLY | $112.87 | 55.0 | -1.19% | +1.91% | Cooling — RSI under 50 or losing a near MA |
| 8 | Utilities | XLU | $41.40 | 54.6 | -1.46% | +2.44% | Cooling — RSI under 50 or losing a near MA |
| 9 | Financials | XLF | $54.73 | 46.5 | -2.94% | +0.03% | Cooling — RSI under 50 or losing a near MA |
| 10 | Real Estate | XLRE | $41.61 | 45.7 | -3.62% | -0.06% | Cooling — RSI under 50 or losing a near MA |
| 11 | Industrials | XLI | $169.25 | 44.8 | -3.49% | +0.02% | Below MAs — out of favor |
| 12 | Materials | XLB | $49.42 | 43.9 | -3.40% | -0.43% | Below MAs — out of favor |
What stands out in this week's sector flow?
- Leadership: Energy (XLE) tops the table — RSI 62.5, +4.27% vs its SMA50. Extended but momentum intact.
- Weakest: Materials (XLB) is the most oversold — RSI 43.9, -3.40% vs SMA50. No momentum until it climbs back above its moving averages.
- Breadth of strength: 5 of 12 sectors sit above their SMA50. Narrow leadership — watch for deterioration.
- Extension check: No sector at RSI ≥ 72 — no blow-off-top reading; momentum can run.
Which sectors are leading and which are lagging?
Where momentum lives (leadership)
| Sector | Ticker | RSI | vs SMA50 | Read |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Energy | XLE | 62.5 | +4.27% | Leader; RSI < 72 leaves room. |
| Tech | XLK | 61.3 | +5.26% | Leader; RSI < 72 leaves room. |
Lagging / avoid for fresh momentum
- Staples (XLP) — RSI 56.2, -0.24% vs SMA50: below trend — the setup needs a reclaim.
- Consumer Disc (XLY) — RSI 55.0, -1.19% vs SMA50: below trend — the setup needs a reclaim.
- Utilities (XLU) — RSI 54.6, -1.46% vs SMA50: below trend — the setup needs a reclaim.
- Financials (XLF) — RSI 46.5, -2.94% vs SMA50: below trend — the setup needs a reclaim.
- Real Estate (XLRE) — RSI 45.7, -3.62% vs SMA50: below trend — the setup needs a reclaim.
- Industrials (XLI) — RSI 44.8, -3.49% vs SMA50: below trend — the setup needs a reclaim.
- Materials (XLB) — RSI 43.9, -3.40% vs SMA50: below trend — the setup needs a reclaim.
Is money rotating between sectors right now?
Regime: neutral. Leadership sits in XLE, XLK, SPY; the laggards are XLRE, XLI, XLB. Watch whether leadership rotates toward defensives — that would mark the regime turning.
Monitor:
- VIX at 18 or above leaves the calm band; above 28 the regime turns risk-off (currently 15.41)
- XLE RSI > 72 / XLK RSI > 72 / SPY RSI > 72 = leaders extended (currently 62.5, 61.3, 60.3)
- Breadth under 40% above the 50-day EMA = deteriorating, which makes the regime risk-off; 40% to 55% is mixed (currently 40.7%)
Computed from daily closing prices, refreshed every trading day — updated 9 October 2026 · prices through the 9 October 2026 close.