Julius de Kempenaer

Julius de Kempenaer


Julius is a CMT and the creator of Relative Rotation Graphs™. This unique method to visualize relative strength within a universe of securities first launched on Bloomberg professional services terminals in 2011 and later on StockCharts in 2014. Learn More 

Archived News

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The Best Five Sectors, #23

The Best Five Sectors, #23

This Time Technology Beats Financials After a week of no changes, we're back with renewed sector movements, and it's another round of leapfrogging. This week, technology has muscled its way back into the top five sectors at the expense of financials, highlighting the ongoing volatility in...   READ MORE 

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RRG Update: Is Tech Ready to Break Out?

RRG Update: Is Tech Ready to Break Out?

This week, Julius shows how the Technology sector is edging toward leadership, alongside Industrials and soon-to-follow Communication Services. He highlights breakout lines for SPY, XLK, and XLC, noting that conviction climbs when daily and weekly RRG tails align to point northeast together. Bitcoin is sprinting into the leading quadrant next...   READ MORE 

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The Best Five Sectors, #22

The Best Five Sectors, #22

Sector Rotation: A Week of Stability Amidst Market Dynamics Last week presented an intriguing scenario in our sector rotation portfolio. For the first time in recent memory, we witnessed complete stability across all sector positions -- no changes whatsoever in the rankings. 1. (1) Industrials - (XLI) 2. (2) Utilities...   READ MORE 

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The Best Five Sectors, #21

The Best Five Sectors, #21

Staples and Tech Swap Positions Again The weekly sector rotation continues to paint a picture of a market in flux, with defensive sectors gaining ground while cyclicals take a step back. This week's shifts underscore the ongoing volatility and lack of clear directional trade that's been...   READ MORE 

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Mixed Signals on the Charts? RRG Reveals Market Rotation Tension

Mixed Signals on the Charts? RRG Reveals Market Rotation Tension

Confused by mixed market signals? Follow along as Julius analyzes sector rotation, asset rotation, and global market trends using daily and weekly Relative Rotation Graphs (RRGs). In this video, Julius puts the current sector rotation in perspective on both weekly and daily Relative Rotation Graphs (RRGs). He also examines asset...   READ MORE 

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The Best Five Sectors, #20

The Best Five Sectors, #20

Technology Back in Top-5 Last week's market decline of 2-2.5% (depending on the index) has led to some notable shifts in sector performance and rankings. This pullback, coming after a strong rally, is changing the order of highs and lows on the weekly chart -- a particularly...   READ MORE 

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The Best Five Sectors, #19

The Best Five Sectors, #19

KEY TAKEAWAYS * Industrials surge to #1 in sector ranking, replacing Real Estate in top 5 * Communication Services showing vulnerability, moving into weakening quadrant * Utilities and Consumer Staples losing momentum but maintaining leading positions * Portfolio maintains defensive positioning despite underperformance vs SPY Sector Rotation Shakeup: Industrials Take the Lead Another week...   READ MORE 

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What Sector Rotation Says About the Market Cycle Right Now

What Sector Rotation Says About the Market Cycle Right Now

Where are we in the market cycle? In this video, Julius reviews the sector rotation and asset class performance from the past 2-3 weeks to provide an objective take on where we stand in the current market cycle. Using his signature Relative Rotation Graphs (RRG), he uncovers shifts in momentum...   READ MORE 

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The Best Five Sectors, #18

The Best Five Sectors, #18

KEY TAKEAWAYS * All 11 sectors changed positions, but the top-5 / bottom-6 composition remained the same. * Utilities now strongest sector, despite overall market strength. * Communication Services jumped from 5th to 2nd place. * Portfolio still 3% behind the S&P 500 YTD, unchanged from last week. Sector Shuffle: Same Players, New...   READ MORE 

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Recession Ahead? Sector Rotation Model Warns of Rising Risk

Recession Ahead? Sector Rotation Model Warns of Rising Risk

Is a recession coming? In this video, Julius breaks down the latest updates to his powerful Sector Rotation Model, analyzing four key macroeconomic indicators and their impact on sector performance. This video was originally published on May 9, 2025. Click on the icon above to view on our dedicated page...   READ MORE 

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The Best Five Sectors, #18

The Best Five Sectors, #18

KEY TAKEAWAYS * Top 5 sectors remain unchanged, with minor position shifts * Leading sectors showing signs of losing momentum * Daily RRG reveals top sectors in weakening quadrant * Communication services at risk of dropping out of top 5 Communication Services Drops to #5 The composition of the top five sectors remains largely...   READ MORE 

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Sector Rotation + SPY Seasonality = Trouble for Bulls?

Sector Rotation + SPY Seasonality = Trouble for Bulls?

In this video, Julius analyzes current asset class rotation, revealing why stocks in the lagging quadrant may signal continued market weakness. By combining sector rotation trends—particularly strength in defensive sectors—with SPY seasonality, Julius builds a compelling case that downside risk in the S&P 500 may outweigh...   READ MORE 

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The Best Five Sectors, #17

The Best Five Sectors, #17

KEY TAKEAWAYS * Defensive sectors maintain dominance in top 5, despite strong market performance. * Real Estate enters top 5, replacing Health Care; Consumer Staples, Utilities, and Financials remain stable in top 3 positions. * Defensive positioning has put a dent in portfolio performance after strong week. Real Estate and Healthcare Swapping Positions...   READ MORE 

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The Best Five Sectors, #16

The Best Five Sectors, #16

KEY TAKEAWAYS * Consumer staples and utilities continue to lead sector rankings. * Defensive sectors are showing strength in both weekly and daily RRGs. * Health care struggling, but maintains position in top 5 * RRG portfolio slightly underperforming S&P 500 YTD, but gap narrowing. Top 5 Remains Unchanged The latest sector...   READ MORE 

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Sector Rotation Update: Value Stocks and Bonds Lead the Way!

Sector Rotation Update: Value Stocks and Bonds Lead the Way!

Stocks vs. bonds? In this video, Julius breaks down the asset allocation outlook and why defensive sectors, large-cap value, and bonds may continue to outperform in this volatile market. He starts at the asset allocation level using Relative Rotation Graphs (RRGs) to analyze stocks vs bonds performance, then highlights the...   READ MORE 

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The Best Five Sectors, #15

The Best Five Sectors, #15

KEY TAKEAWAYS * The entire top 5 has now changed positions. * All defensive sectors are now in the top 5, while Healthcare has reentered. * Portfolio is now lagging S&P 500. Healthcare Re-Enters the Top 5 After a wild week in the markets, the sector ranking got quite a shake-up....   READ MORE 

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Stock Market Volatility: Pain Points, Bright Spots, and Strategies

Stock Market Volatility: Pain Points, Bright Spots, and Strategies

Is the stock market volatility making you nervous? In this video, Grayson Roze and Julius de Kempenaer unpack the volatile market environment and discuss pain points, some of the "bright spots" they are seeing in the market, and the StockCharts tools they are using to identify shifts in...   READ MORE 

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The Best Five Sectors, #14

The Best Five Sectors, #14

KEY TAKEAWAYS * Consumer Staples replaces Healthcare in top 5 * More defensive rotation underway * RRG portfolio remains in line with market performance This article was first posted on 4/4/2025 and contained only rankings and charts. Then updated with comments 4/7/2025 I am attending and speaking at the...   READ MORE 

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The Best Five Sectors, #13

The Best Five Sectors, #13

KEY TAKEAWAYS * Financials jump to #1 spot in S&P 500 sector rankings. * Three sectors now in leading quadrant on weekly RRG * Only Tech and Consumer Discretionary showing negative RRG headings * RRG portfolio outperforming S&P 500 YTD by 10 basis points Financials take the lead. No changes...   READ MORE 

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S&P & Tech Stocks: Will Seasonality Lead to More Pain?

S&P & Tech Stocks: Will Seasonality Lead to More Pain?

Sector rotation is shaping the S&P 500's next big move! In this exclusive StockCharts video,Julius analyzes SPY support levels, key sector trends, and the latest seasonal patterns—which indicate further downside for Technology stocks. He breaks down two critical support areas that could signal the...   READ MORE 

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The Best Five Sectors, #12

The Best Five Sectors, #12

KEY TAKEAWAYS * Energy sector jumps to position #2 in top 5 * Consumer Staples drops out of portfolio * Communication Services remains at #1 spot * Modest pick up of relative momentum for XLK and XLY not enough yet Energy Jumps to #2 A big move for the energy sector last week as...   READ MORE 

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The Best Five Sectors, #11

The Best Five Sectors, #11

KEY TAKEAWAYS * At the moment, we're seeing a big shakeup in sector rankings. * Healthcare has entered the top five. * Technology is dropping to last position. * All defensive sectors are now in the top five. Big Moves in Sector Ranking The ranking of US sectors continues to shift. At...   READ MORE 

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Sector Rotation Breakdown: Spotting Market Leaders Now

Sector Rotation Breakdown: Spotting Market Leaders Now

In this exclusive StockCharts video,Julius analyzes US sector rotation using Relative Rotation Graphs (RRG), starting with the 11 S&P sectors and breaking them into Offensive, Defensive, and Sensitive sectors to uncover unusual market rotations. He then dives into the Financials sector, identifying top stocks with potential for...   READ MORE 

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The Best Five Sectors, #10

The Best Five Sectors, #10

KEY TAKEAWAYS * Communication Services (XLC) maintains top spot, Tech (XLK) plummets * Shift towards defensive sectors evident in rankings * Consumer Discretionary (XLY) showing signs of weakness * Portfolio slightly outperforming SPY benchmark Sector Shake-Up: Defensive Moves and Tech's Tumble Last week's market volatility stirred up the sector rankings,...   READ MORE 

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Sector Rotation Warning: More Downside Ahead for US Markets?

Sector Rotation Warning: More Downside Ahead for US Markets?

In this exclusive StockCharts video,Julius analyzes sector rotation in US markets, assessing recent damage and potential downside risks. He examines the Equal Weight RSP vs. Cap-Weighted SPX ratio and the stocks vs. bonds relationship to identify key market trends. Don't miss this deep dive into market rotation...   READ MORE 

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The Best Five Sectors, #9

The Best Five Sectors, #9

KEY TAKEAWAYS * Communication services maintains top spot in sector ranking. * Financials moves up to #2, pushing consumer discretionary down to #3. * Technology and utilities hold steady at #4 and #5 respectively. * Portfolio performance now on par with benchmark after recent outperformance. Sector Rotation: Financials Climb as Consumer Discretionary Slips While...   READ MORE 

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Sector Rotation & Seasonality: What's Driving the Market Now?"

Sector Rotation & Seasonality: What's Driving the Market Now?"

In this exclusive StockCharts video,Julius analyzes seasonality for U.S. sectors and aligns it with current sector rotation. He explores how these trends impact the market (SPY) and shares insights on potential movements using RRG analysis. By combining seasonality with sector rotation, he provides a deeper look at market...   READ MORE 

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The Best Five Sectors, #8

The Best Five Sectors, #8

KEY TAKEAWAYS * Utilities entering the top-5 * Industrials dropping out of top-5 portfolio * Real-Estate and Energy swapping positions in bottom half of the ranking * Perfomance now 0.3% below SPY since inception. Utilities enter top 5 Last week's trading, especially the sell-off on Friday, has caused the Utilities sector...   READ MORE 

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Market Rotation and Cap-Weight Dynamics: A Closer Look

Market Rotation and Cap-Weight Dynamics: A Closer Look

KEY TAKEAWAYS * Large cap growth stocks regaining favor as market faces pressure * Cap-weighted sectors outperforming equal-weighted counterparts * S&P 500 struggling to break above 610, suggesting potential trading range * Exceptions in mega-cap dominated sectors (Communication Services, Technology, Consumer Discretionary) With the market selling off into the close today, it&...   READ MORE 

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The Best Five Sectors, #7

The Best Five Sectors, #7

KEY TAKEAWAYS * Communication services (XLC) claims the top spot, pushing consumer discretionary (XLY) to second place * Technology (XLK) shows strength, moving up to fourth and displacing industrials (XLI) * Industrials displaying weakness, at risk of dropping out of the top five * RRG portfolio outperforming SPY benchmark by 69 basis points Shifting...   READ MORE 

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The Best Five Sectors, #6

The Best Five Sectors, #6

KEY TAKEAWAYS * Top-5 remains unchanged * Healthcare and Staples jump to higher positions * Price and Relative trends remain strong for XLC and XLF No Changes In Top-5 At the end of the week ending 2/7, there were no changes in the top-5, but there have been some significant shifts in...   READ MORE 

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Watch For These Seasonality Patterns in 2025

Watch For These Seasonality Patterns in 2025

In this exclusive StockCharts video,Julius shares a new approach to seasonality by using a more granular, data-set constructed UDI (User Defined Index) for every sector. Using the UDI functionality on StockCharts.com allows Julius to plot the seasonal patterns for each sector forward to the end of 2025 and...   READ MORE 

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The Best Five Sectors, #5

The Best Five Sectors, #5

KEY TAKEAWAYS * Technology (XLK) re-enters top 5 sectors, displacing Energy (XLE) * Consumer Discretionary (XLY) maintains #1 position * Weekly and daily RRGs show supportive trends for leading sectors XLY and XLC * Top-5 portfolio outperforms S&P 500 by nearly 50 basis points Technology Moves Back into Top-5 As we wrap...   READ MORE 

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The Best Five Sectors, #4

The Best Five Sectors, #4

KEY TAKEAWAYS * No changes in top-5 sectors * XLC showing strong break from consolidation flag * XLE remains just barely above XLK as a result of strong daily RRG No changes in the top-5 At the end of this week, there were no changes in the ranking of the top-5 sectors. 1....   READ MORE 

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Energy Picks Up and Consumer Discretionary Continues to Lead

Energy Picks Up and Consumer Discretionary Continues to Lead

KEY TAKEAWAYS * Short term strength drags enery sector up * Long term strength keeps consumer discretionary on top * Massive upside potential ready to get unlocked in EOG I have been traveling in the US since 1/15 and attended the CMTA Mid-Winter retreat in Tampa, FL 1/16-1/17 and then...   READ MORE 

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The Best Five Sectors, #3

The Best Five Sectors, #3

KEY TAKEAWAYS * Energy replaces Technology in top-5 * Financials rise to #2 position pushing XLC down to #3 * Top-5 portfolio out-performs SPY 0.52% * A closer look at the (equal) weighting scheme Energy Replaces Technology At the end of this week, 1/17/2024, the Technology sector dropped out of the...   READ MORE 

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Stocks UNDER PRESSURE! Which Sector is Leading Now?

Stocks UNDER PRESSURE! Which Sector is Leading Now?

In this exclusive StockCharts video,Julius takes a look at asset class rotation on Relative Rotation Graphs. He then addresses the 6 sectors that are NOT in the "best five sectors" for this week. To conclude, he dives into the Technology sector to find some of the best...   READ MORE 

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The Best Five Sectors, #2

The Best Five Sectors, #2

KEY TAKEAWAYS * The best five sectors remain unchanged. * XLC and XLF are both starting to show weakness. * XLI is holding above support, while XLK remains within rising channel. The composition of the top five sectors remains unchanged this week, despite an interrupted trading week. This stability comes against a backdrop...   READ MORE 

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THIS is the BEST Market Sector Right Now!

THIS is the BEST Market Sector Right Now!

In this exclusive StockCharts video,Julius takes a look at what he recently called "The Best Five Sectors" on a relative rotation graph side-by-side with their price charts. He then takes an in-depth at Consumer Discretionary, and shares some interesting stocks within, including AMZN, ULTA, and more. This...   READ MORE 

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The Best Five Sectors, #1

The Best Five Sectors, #1

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! Ever since the introduction of RRG back in 2011, many people have asked me questions like: "What is the track record for RRG" or "What are the trading rules for RRG"? My answers have always been, and will continue to be, "There...   READ MORE