As mentioned in part I of “How to Outsmart a Choppy, Range-bound Market” (published on March 27), we anticipated a rollercoaster-like stock market.

Our strategy was to look for low-risk opportunities in certain industry sectors.

The April 24 Profit Radar Report stated the following:

“The S&P 500 has reached a point where a bounce is likely. It’s possible that the bounce may morph into the next bigger rally. We would prefer to see even lower prices (the lower, the better the risk/reward), but we’re not certain if our wish will become reality.

We’ve been here before (February 8, April 2). Both times the S&P rallied … and eventually pulled back again. In February we bought XLU as a lower-risk bet on equities. Now XLP sports an interesting setup.”

Barron's rates iSPYETF as "trader with a good track record" and Investor's Business Daily says: "When Simon says, the market listens." Find out why Barron's and IBD endorse Simon Maierhofer's Profit Radar Report.

Low-Risk Sector Trades

The Utility Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLU) and Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLP) were over-sold and over-hated at the time. In addition they were trading against support with bullish divergences. And, paying some of the best dividends in the business didn’t hurt.

We bought XLU on February 12, and sold XLU on April 6 for a 6.16% gain.

We bought XLP on April 25, and sold XLP on May 1 at breakeven.

We again bought XLP on May 31, and sold XLP on July 10 for a 5.50% gain (yes, sometimes it may take two attempts to get it right).

If you enjoy quality, hand-crafted research, >> Sign up for the FREE iSPYETF Newsletter

At no time did XLU or XLP fall below our purchase price, and both trades offered a 11.66% (including dividends) absolutely no risk, no stress return.

The Profit Radar Report continuously looks for low-risk trade opportunities, which includes stocks, gold, silver, oil, currencies. Continued updates and recommendations are available via the Profit Radar Report. 

Simon Maierhofer is the founder of iSPYETF and the publisher of the Profit Radar Report. Barron's rated iSPYETF as a "trader with a good track record" (click here for Barron's profile of the Profit Radar Report). The Profit Radar Report presents complex market analysis (S&P 500, Dow Jones, gold, silver, euro and bonds) in an easy format. Technical analysis, sentiment indicators, seasonal patterns and common sense are all wrapped up into two or more easy-to-read weekly updates. All Profit Radar Report recommendations resulted in a 59.51% net gain in 2013, 17.59% in 2014, 24.52% in 2015, 52.26% in 2016, and 23.39% in 2017.

Follow Simon on Twitter @ iSPYETF or sign up for the FREE iSPYETF Newsletter to get actionable ETF trade ideas delivered for free.

If you enjoy quality, hand-crafted research, >> Sign up for the FREE iSPYETF Newsletter