ETF Expert

On January 6, 2009, the S&P 500 hit an intra-day high of 944. Since then, investors have had a mere handful of up days to entertain the possibility of hope.

At the risk of being audacious, however, it's important to recognize the relative resilience of investment markets. For example, Warren Buffett strongly supported the idea of buying stocks in a frequently cited October 17, 2008, New York Times Op-Ed piece. The S&P 500 was at 904… about 8% higher than it currently stands.

So was Mr. Buffett wrong? After 4 months of the most dismal economic numbers and calamitous uncertainty, are stocks really much worse off than they were when Warren audaciously spoke up?

Regardless of one's opinion on Buffett's moves, we can take a look at some of the best performing ETFs since the markets cracked (for the umpteenth time) in early January. Are there any surprises?

Gold has played the ultimate safe haven role as of late. In the heart of the 2008 credit crisis selling, gold didn't fare as well as one might have expected.

Now, however, it seems as though $1000 per ounce is pre-ordained. What's more, the miners dedicated to the precious metal segment have been particularly successful.

A quick glance at the remaining winners shows that only one sector of the economy is truly "holding up." Sure, tech has performed better on a relative basis. So have safer havens like utilities. Yet healthcare is actually notching gains at the close of earnings season.

Neither Biotech (IBB) nor Medical Devices (IHI) surprise me personally. The drug pipelines are filled with new products and mergers seem to be plentiful. Meanwhile, investment in device makers like Zimmer, Stryker and Intuitive Surgical appeal as the ultimate boomer play.

I am somewhat shocked by gains in Healthcare Providers (IHF).  This has been the one, huge drag on the health care sector… noticeably negative throughout 2008.

Here in 2009, however, there's been renewed hope that the the Aetnas, Cignas, United Health's and Wellpoints may turn a corner. Is it the likelihood that health care nationalization isn't imminent? Is it the fact that Daschle missed the post? Or is it merely a combination of bargain hunting and safer haven investing?

Healthcare Providers (IHF) has climbed above its 50-day, short-tem trend. However, like most equity funds, it has yet to climb above its longer-term 200-day trendline.

If you'd like to learn more about ETF investing… then tune into "In the Money With Gary Gordon." You can listen to the show "live" or via podcast or on your iPod at this link.

Disclosure Statement: ETF Expert is a web log ("blog") that makes the world of ETFs easier to understand. Pacific Park Financial, Inc., a Registered Investment Advisor with the SEC, may hold positions in the ETFs, mutual funds and/or index funds mentioned above. Investors who are interested in money management services may visit the Pacific Park Financial, Inc. web site.