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Trade Ideas

Global Trade Idea: Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLK US) - BUY

 

By Peet Serfontein & Zimele Mbanjwa

The Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF tracks the performance of The Technology Select Sector Index. The ETF holds companies primarily involved in such industries as software and services, IT consulting services, semiconductor equipment, computer and peripherals.

The ETF itself consists of 69 different holdings, which in aggregate comprise of 31.7% of the S&P 500 market capitalisation. The top-five holdings at end September 2024 were Apple (~15%), Microsoft (~13.6%), Nvidia (~12.7%), Broadcom (~4.5%) and Oracle (~3%).

The ETF is popular among investors seeking to capitalise on the growth potential of the technology sector, which has consistently outperformed many other sectors over recent years. With its focus on large-cap technology firms, XLK benefits from strong balance sheets, robust innovation, and global demand for tech products and services.

Technically, the ETF price is in Wave 5 of the Elliott Wave cycle on the daily time interval (see the insert on the main chart). This supports a bullish case as Wave 5 is typically associated with a final upward thrust in a broader bullish trend. This wave generally represents the final leg of the prevailing bullish trend and is often driven by positive market sentiment. The price moves higher as the bullish forces from earlier waves (especially the strong Wave 3) continue to push prices up. Investors typically view Wave 5 as a continuation of the uptrend, suggesting that there is still room for additional gains before a corrective phase begins.

The ETF is trading above its 200-day simple moving average of ~$212.11. Price action in the markup phase out of the Wyckoff Price Cycle also supports a bullish stance.

Emerging upside momentum, according to the MACD indicator as well as upwards movement of the On-balance Volume indicator, also offers support.

Share Information

Share Code XLK
Market Capital (USD) 71.7 billion
One Year Total Return 38.21%
Return Year-to-Date 20.17%
Current Price (USD) 230.09
52 Week High (USD) 238.14
52 Week Low (USD) 159.50
The ETF has experienced a strong run over the previous year supported by strong AI demand. Various technical indicators support further upside.

Buy/Sell Rationale

Technical Analysis:

    • The second chart shows the Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) indicator bullish crossover denoted by a reading of one. The crossover signals that upward momentum is building and the ETF is likely entering a bullish phase. This longer-term signal suggests that the ETF's price may continue to rise, as buying pressure increases over a sustained period.
    • Our recommended entry range for the trade is $225 to $235 - a drop below this level would indicate a structural change in the trend, giving reason to negate the idea.
    • Our target price is $256, representing potential upside of 11.3% from current levels.
    • According to the forward calculation of the Relative Strength Index indicator, the stock will be overbought at ~$265, making our profit target realistic
    • Our proposed time to exit is mid-January 2025, but investors can adjust for either longer or shorter time horizon, depending on price behaviour.
    • A drop below $220 (downside of ~4.4% from current levels) would imply weakening technicals. As such, a stop-loss is recommended at this level.
    • We expect moderate fluctuations going forward and therefore suggest a medium at-risk allocation to the trade. Increase exposure for a break above $235.

Fundamental view:

    • Most of the companies that comprise the Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF are considered blue-chip growth stocks. To this effect, they are typically well-established firms with strong balance sheets, a rapidly growing customer base and product offerings, high economies of scale, innovation prowess, robust cash resources, as well as optimal capital-structures. The advent of AI and AI-related technological advancements has seen sector valuations, earnings, and demand boom over the last few years.
    • AI and related technology advancements have permeated various parts of the business landscape from finance to manufacturing, to consumer services, as well as healthcare and pharmaceuticals. The AI tech boom has represented a fundamental shift in how businesses operate and invest towards future growth.
    • Companies that strategically integrate AI and advanced technological capabilities into their operations can gain a competitive advantage relative to their peers, which can allow for further value unlock by leveraging new revenue streams, improving customer experiences, and enhancing internal processes for optimal functionality. This has been the crux of the tech sector demand boom, which has evidently benefitted companies in this sector.
    • The scalability of AI solutions is also a positive trait for the sector. As AI technologies become more accessible, entities of varying sizes can exploit the latest advancements to drive efficient business growth.
    • Looking ahead, per Factset, at the sector level, the Information Technology sector has the highest number of companies issuing positive EPS guidance of all 11 sectors in the S&P 500 for the third quarter. Though at elevated valuations, the sector carries with it significant risk of a bubble forming, however, AI enthusiasm is anticipated to continue in 2025 with recent short interest having reversed from high levels also supportive.
    • Downside risks for the ETF include extremely high concentration to technology stocks. In addition to this, with the sector having rallied so much in the previous two-to-three years, investors are justified for being wary of further robust upside. The regulatory environment is also creating risk, as the need for more focused oversight requires companies to invest in security features to prevent usage of technologies for fraudulent purposes. 'Chip wars', whereby countries are limiting the sharing of chip technologies can also potentially cap gains in the sector.

Share Name and Position ETN US - Take profit
(Close the position)
LRCX US - Exit trade
(Close the position)
BALL US - Buy
(Continue to hold)
Entry 297.69 79.11 61.71
Current 348.49 73.14 66.81
Movement +17.1% -7.5% +8.3%
We suggest taking an early profit on this trade. We have opted to exit the trade on deteriorating technicals. A broadening bottom pattern remains attractive. The stock remains above its 200-day SMA, and upside price momentum is supportive.

Our profit target is $69.00, with a trailing stop-loss of $63.80. Exit the trade by 7 February 2025.

Share Name and Position ABSI US - Buy
(Continue to hold)
C US - Buy
(Continue to hold)
DPZ US - Buy
(Continue to hold)
Entry 3.79 61.71 416.77
Current 4.02 63.97 429.38
Movement +6.1% +3.7% +3.0%
A price developing an inverted head and shoulders pattern remains of interest. Remains below its 200-day SMA, and muted downside price momentum is supportive.

Our profit target is $5.50, with a trailing stop-loss at $3.30. Exit the trade by 7 November 2024.
A price action at a confluence of the 200-day, 200-week and 200-month SMAs remains of interest. Remains above its 200-day simple moving average. Fading downside price momentum supports the trade strategy.

Our profit target $71, with a trailing stop-loss at $60.30. Exit the trade by 3 January 2025.
A price bouncing off its 200-week SMA remains of interest. Remains below its 200-day simple moving average. Fading downside price momentum supports the trade strategy.

Our profit target $482, with a trailing stop-loss at $402.80. Exit the trade by 20 November 2024.

FNB Stockbroking and Portfolio Management (Pty) Ltd, a subsidiary of FirstRand Bank Limited, an authorised Financial Services Provider and authorised user of the JSE limited (Reg no: 1996/011732/07). This Publication note is issued by FNB Stockbroking and Portfolio Management (Pty) Ltd for the information of clients only and should not be produced in whole or part without prior permission. Although FNB Stockbroking and Portfolio Management (Pty) Ltd is an Authorised Financial Services Provider, any opinions and/or analysis contained in this Publication are for informational purposes only and should not be considered advice, including but not limited to financial, legal or tax advice, or a recommendation to invest in any security or to adopt any investment strategy. The information contained herein has been obtained from sources/persons which we believe to be reliable but is not guaranteed for correctness, completeness or otherwise and we do not assume liability for loss arising from errors in the information or that may be suffered from using or relying on the information contained herein irrespective of whether there has been any negligence by us, our affiliates or any other employees of us, and whether such losses be direct or consequential. As market and economic conditions are subject to rapid change, any comments, opinions, and analysis is rendered as of the date of publishing and may change without notice. Such changes may have a material impact on the outcome of any investment. Securities involve a degree of risk and are volatile instruments. Past performance is not indicative of future performances. Securities or financial instruments mentioned in the Publication note may not be suitable for all investors and FNB Stockbroking and Portfolio Management (Pty) Ltd has bares no responsibility whatsoever arising from or as a consequence hereof. The material is not intended as a complete analysis of every material fact regarding any share, instrument, sector, region, market, country, investment, or strategy. The recipient of this Publication must make their own investment decision and is advised to contact his relationship manager for a personal financial analysis prior to making any investment decisions. Copyright 2018 by FNB Stockbroking and Portfolio Management (Pty) Ltd.

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