In trading on Thursday, shares of the iShares U.S. Basic Materials ETF (Symbol: IYM) entered into oversold territory, changing hands as low as $121.51 per share. We define oversold territory using the Relative Strength Index, or RSI, which is a technical analysis indicator used to measure momentum on a scale of zero to 100. A stock is considered to be oversold if the RSI reading falls below 30.
In the case of iShares U.S. Basic Materials, the RSI reading has hit 29.5 — by comparison, the RSI reading for the S&P 500 is currently 32.2. A bullish investor could look at IYM's 29.5 reading as a sign that the recent heavy selling is in the process of exhausting itself, and begin to look for entry point opportunities on the buy side.
Looking at a chart of one year performance (below), IYM's low point in its 52 week range is $121.51 per share, with $154.87 as the 52 week high point — that compares with a last trade of $121.71. iShares U.S. Basic Materials shares are currently trading off about 3.2% on the day.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
