When the stock market is in a strong uptrend, pauses, and then finally threatens to pull back, what happens? When there has been institutional selling, better known as "distribution" in the Nasdaq 100, Technology often comes to the rescue after a short break and destroys the bears -- as well as a good number of technicians (hand raised) who expected more giveback.

DraftKings got its start in 2012 as an innovator in daily fantasy sports. Then, following a Supreme Court ruling in 2018 that allowed states to legalize online sports wagering, the company expanded into online sports and casino gambling, where it generally holds the number two or three revenue share position across states in which it competes. DraftKings is now live with online sports betting in 24 states (46% of the US population) and iGaming in seven states (11% of US), with both products available to around 40% of Canada's population. The company also operates a non-fungible token commissioned-based marketplace and develops and licenses online gaming products.

Small- and mid-cap stocks (SMID) have underperformed large-caps over the past 12 months, but may be in a better position to generate market-beating returns going forward. SMID companies tend to focus on domestic markets, so their businesses could be less disrupted by the fallout from global events. As well, the prices of SMID stocks generally are lower than the prices of large-caps. As well, there are long stretches in the record books when SMID stocks have outperformed large-caps. That said, SMID stocks can be risky. The standard deviation for monthly returns was 5.7% for SMID stocks over a 2003-2021 test period, versus 4.3% for large-caps. Still, despite the risks, diversified investors look to have exposure to small- and mid-caps based on the long-term performance record.

The S&P 500 (SPX) and S&P 100 (OEX) closed at minor all-time highs (ATHs) on Tuesday, while the rest of the major indices were near that mark as the relentless push higher continues. The leadership over the past month has shifted from AI and Technology to cyclical sectors -- which is what happens in a strong bull market. Rotation is really starting to gain some footing in 2024 and is critical to a long and enduring uptrend. We have seen addditional cyclical sectors join the party over the past month, as Energy (XLE +8.6%), Materials (XLB +6.8%), and Industrials (XLI +4.5%) have taken some of the load off the Technology gains.