The broader indices have traded in a tight range all week as there has been little corporate or economic data to move the major averages. On the week, the Dow is trading flat, the S&P 500 is trading up one half of one percent and the Nasdaq has gained the most, up 1.3% so far.
In midday trading Thursday, the Claymore Luxury Goods ETF (ROB) is outperforming other ETFs, up about 1.4% on the day. Components of that ETF showing particular strength include shares of Orient-express Hotels Limited (OEH), up about 3.8% and shares of Luxottica Group (LUX), up about 1.4% on the day.
In midday trading Thursday, Communication Services shares were relative leaders, up on the day by about 1%. Leading the group were shares of Terrestar (TSTR), up about 22.8% and shares of GeoEye (GEOY) up about 16.9% on the day.
In midday trading Thursday, Air Services shares were relative laggards, down on the day by about 2.3%. Helping drag down the group were shares of Transat (TRZ.
After Barclays announced yesterday that it was looking to acquire a US regional bank, investors saw shares of Fifth Third (FITB), SunTrust (STI) and Regions Financial (RF) post sizable gains. Today, however, asset management firms will have the spotlight.
