Let's take a look at some of this week's top- and bottom-performing ETFs and ETNs. Keep in mind that we cull the list to avoid duplicate sectors and we toss out Ultras and UltraShorts. Some of these names are lightly traded and may be fairly illiquid. Make sure that you research the holdings and design of these ETFs before considering any trade.

ETF Performance Table


Data from MSN Money

Energy dominated this week's list of the top- and bottom-performing sectors; however, one of the non-energy sectors appearing on the list is the SPDR S&P Pharmaceuticals Sector (XPH). This ETF tracks the specialty/health sector, and has a yield of around 1.48%. Components of XPH include sector powerhouses Allergan (AGN), Forest Labs (FRX), King Pharmaceuticals (KG), Pfizer (PFE), and Par Pharmaceuticals (PRX). [Note: there is no option trading currently on XPH. A similar alternative for option traders could be Pharmaceutical HOLDRs ETF (PPH)]

On a daily basis, the sector has performed very well. XPH has tracked higher since the beginning of this past March. Understandably, the sector has tracked along with the highs and lows of the S&P during this time, as indicated by the yellow line on the chart. As for support, the shares have relied on their 10- and 20-day moving averages (indicated by the blue and the red lines, respectively). While the stock has fallen below these trendlines, it has quickly retraced its steps and reclaimed these layers of support.

XPH Daily Chart


The monthly chart for XPH is also encouraging. March provided to be a pivot low for the equity, causing a reversal that has seen the ETF log six-straight monthly gains. This run has placed XPH north of its 10- and 20-month moving averages and has it staring down the barrel of resistance at the 33 level. The ETF was turned away the last time it challenged this level, so this could be an interesting situation. A rejection at 33 could send the stock spiraling back to support at its trendlines, while a breach of 33 could signal a continued run.

XPH Monthly Chart


Despite the furor over Healthcare Reform debate and what it might mean to various private sector companies, sectors such as Pharmaceutical and other Health-related groups have held up well in the market recently. The market is telling us that these companies should emerge OK from whatever policy is passed by Congress.

Price Headley is the founder and chief analyst of BigTrends.com.