Unlocking the Potential of Homebuilders: A Profitable Trade and Future Gains

As the top investment manager in the world, I am thrilled to revisit a trade recommendation made two years ago that has proven to be highly profitable. For those not currently in this trade, fear not, as I will guide you on how to capitalize on this opportunity for even more gains starting today. Additionally, I will introduce a powerful risk mitigation tool to safeguard your returns in case the market takes a downward turn.

The Bull Market in Homebuilding Stocks

In a previous issue of the Digest, we highlighted the potential for aggressive investors to enter a trade on the iShares Home Construction ETF, ITB. This ETF includes major players in the homebuilding industry such as DR Horton, Lennar, NVR, Pulte, and Toll Brothers. Those who acted on this recommendation would currently be enjoying a remarkable 115% increase, outperforming the S&P’s return by a factor of 4.

Despite this impressive growth, ITB shows signs of further potential gains, primarily due to the recent rate-cutting cycle initiated by the Federal Reserve. Lower interest rates are expected to benefit the housing and homebuilding sectors in two significant ways:

  • Reduced mortgage rates will lower the overall cost of homeownership, leading to increased demand for homes.
  • Lower borrowing costs for homebuilders will enhance margins and profitability.

Moreover, from a valuation perspective, ITB’s price-to-earnings ratio stands at a favorable 13.9 compared to the S&P 500’s 29.9, indicating ample room for further growth.

Analyzing the Timing of Entry into the Trade

While the macro outlook for ITB appears bullish, the question arises: Is now the right time to enter this trade? To assist in this analysis, we turn to our expert Luke Lango and his preferred indicators, the Relative Strength Index (RSI) and the Moving Average Convergence/Divergence (MACD) indicator.

The RSI and MACD provide insights into the momentum and strength of a security’s price trend. While the current readings for ITB indicate positive momentum, a slight decline in recent weeks suggests a potential weakening in the bullish move.

Utilizing TradeSmith’s trailing stop tool, investors can determine the appropriate stop-loss percentage to mitigate risks associated with market fluctuations. By factoring in the unique volatility of ITB, investors can set a stop-loss percentage and position size that align with their risk tolerance.

Managing Risk and Position Sizing

TradeSmith’s Volatility Quotient (VQ) algorithm provides a customized approach to setting stop-loss levels based on historical price action. By understanding the normal volatility of a specific stock, investors can make informed decisions regarding risk management and position sizing.

For ITB, the VQ reading suggests a potential downside of up to 23.47%. By setting a trailing stop loss at this level, investors can cap their maximum loss while optimizing their position size for a desired risk-reward ratio.

Looking Ahead

Despite short-term uncertainties, the overall outlook for ITB remains positive, with the next six-to-12 months expected to reward investors who enter the trade today. By leveraging advanced risk management tools and technical analysis, investors can navigate market volatility and position themselves for long-term gains.

Stay informed, stay vigilant, and stay profitable.

Jeff Remsburg

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