This week, investors will be kept busy with the start of earnings season after the market close on Monday, and a round of economic data hitting the street towards the end of the week including; jobless claims, readings on inflation from both the producers and consumers, consumer sentiment, as well as two key European central banks, all of which should make the following three ETPs investors will want to keep an eye on as January continues:
Rydex CurrencyShares Euro Currency Trust
Why FXE Will Be in Focus: This exchange-traded product tracks the EUR/USD exchange rate and has become quite a popular instrument for gaining exposure to the euro. FXE will come into focus later in the week as the European Central Bank announces its decision regarding interest rates this Thursday. Slow growth and uncertainty have plagued the eurozone this year, in fact, FXE has returned a dismal -10% in the past 52-weeks of trading [see FXE Fundamentals]. The benchmark rate has been at 1% since May of 2009, and analyst consensus is for the rate to remain unchanged. Many anticipate that the rate will remain stable for quite sometime since tensions in the eurozone are still high, and worries about the financial health of the continent are still prevalent and surely on investors' minds. Regardless of the decision, the announcement itself will probably increase trading volumes for FXE, as traders and investors scramble to open/close positions based on the decision and insightful commentary that the bank committee releases regarding its outlook on inflation, growth, and what is likely to come next for the troubled common currency zone [see Which Euro ETF Is Right for You?].
Global X Aluminum ETF (ALUM)
Why ALUM Will Be in Focus: Aluminum giant, Alcoa
HOLDRS Merrill Lynch Semiconductor
Why SMH Will Be in Focus: The HOLDRS Semiconductor ETF gives investors concentrated exposure to the semiconductor industry, with the fund holdings just 18 companies in total [see SMH Holdings]. SMH will come into focus this week as Intel
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