One of the best manifestations of the rotation from formally high-flying growth stocks to value shares can be seen in the divergence of the Nasdaq 100 from the Dow Jones Industrial Average.
As the 125-year-old benchmark sets another intraday record, the Nasdaq 100 is slumping toward a level traditionally seen as a correction. It’s the first time since 1993 that the Dow was at a record, while the tech-heavy gauge was this close to a 10% drop from its high.
“Investors are feeling better about the recovery and looking to own improving fundamentals within large caps outside of tech and growth where valuations are more reasonable,” said Mike Bailey, director of research at FBB Capital Partners. “The focus on better fundamentals at a reasonable price may be driving the Dow to new highs.”
About 93% of the 30-member Dow index traded higher Monday as of 1:30 p.m. in New York, with shares of Walt Disney Co. leading with a more-than 5% gain. Visa Inc. also added close to 5% while Goldman Sachs Group Inc. and Home Depot Inc. each advanced about 3%. Tesla Inc. weighed on the 36-year-old Nasdaq 100.
The split-market activity on display is another manifestation of the rotation underway as investors switch into shares of companies whose fortunes are closely tied to the economic cycle. That’s been painful for high-growth, high-valuation tech shares that become less appealing amid bond-market turbulence that’s sent yields on 10-year Treasuries toward 1.6%.
“It feels like an attitude adjustment for tech and growth stocks,” said Bailey. “Investors have decided that these Covid winners just got too expensive and now it’s time for a valuation haircut.”
—With assistance from Claire Ballentine.
This article was provided by Bloomberg News.