Don't Ignore This Chart!

Precious metals shining on Relative Rotation Graph

Julius de Kempenaer

Julius de Kempenaer

Senior Technical Analyst, StockCharts.com

Most of the time Relative Rotation Graphs are used to visualize stock-related universes but please "Don't Ignore the fact" that RRGs can be used to visualize the rotation of any universe that holds comparable securities.


In the chart above I have plotted the rotations for all the sub-groups that make up the Bloomberg Commodity index against the Bloomberg Commodity Index TR ($BCOMTR) as the benchmark in the center.

From this chart, we can get a few helpful takeaways that will provide us with the big picture of what's going on in the commodity landscape and at the same time show us where the strengths and weaknesses for the various sub-groups are.

You can find more information about the composition of this broad commodity index and the target weights for the various sub-groups here.

Two groups stand out on the chart above. Precious Metals ($BCOMPRTR) at the top of the improving quadrant while heading West, backed by a long tail indicating strength. And on the opposite side, Energy ($BCOMENTR) at the bottom of, and already inside, the lagging quadrant.

From a relative perspective, clearly precious metals are preferred. The other, industrial, metals group is found in the leading quadrant and as you can see, just rotated back into that leading quadrant from weakening. Such a rotation usually indicates strength as it marks a new up-leg within an already rising relative trend.

The rotations, and especially the sharp "hooks" back down in the Agriculture, Softs, and Grains groups are worrisome as they point to more weakness ahead for these commodities.

From the Relative Rotation Graph, you can take the ideas to your regular workflow, using your own chart set-ups and templates for further analysis and possible implementation into your portfolio.

Please be aware that the RRG above holds indices but there are plenty of tradable ETNs (iPath series) available that track these commodity groups, as well as individual commodities, which enable you to translate any views to a position.

 

Julius de Kempenaer | RRG Research
RRG, Relative Rotation Graphs, JdK RS-Ratio, and JdK RS-Momentum are registered TradeMarks by RRG Research

Follow RRG Research on social media:

Facebook twitter linkedin
Julius de Kempenaer
About the author: is the creator of Relative Rotation Graphs™. This unique method to visualize relative strength within a universe of securities was first launched on Bloomberg professional services terminals in January of 2011 and was released on StockCharts.com in July of 2014. After graduating from the Dutch Royal Military Academy, Julius served in the Dutch Air Force in multiple officer ranks. He retired from the military as a captain in 1990 to enter the financial industry as a portfolio manager for Equity & Law (now part of AXA Investment Managers). Learn More