Author: Geoff Pieroway

Raymond James Financial Inc. (RJF) has demonstrated impressive performance, with a 1-year return of 46.12% and a 3-month return of 26.89%, placing it in the SIA Favored zone within the SIA Financial Services Index Report. The SIA point-and-figure chart highlights key resistance and support levels, showing its recent re-entry into the favored zone. As we look to grow our platform in 2025, we consider our current clients like you to be our greatest opportunity for expansion. You understand firsthand the value we bring, and your referrals are the most meaningful way for us to continue evolving. We encourage SIA’s elite advisors to sign your colleagues up for a free SIA trial and allow them to experience the benefits of the platform. Thank you for your continued support—your referrals are truly appreciated.

Natural gas prices have experienced a significant rally in 2024, with a peak-to-trough gain of 133%, making it one of the top-performing commodities of the year. After a steep decline in late 2022, natural gas prices bottomed at $1.66 before surging past key resistance levels, with the next major resistance at $4.63 and a band between $5.22 and $5.43. This upward trend has translated into strong performance for EQT Corp. (EQT), which has gained momentum within the SIA Russell 1000 Index Report. Surpassing key resistance levels in December 2024, EQT now finds support at $42.94, and with a perfect SIA SMAX score of 10, it is positioned for potential near-term outperformance.

In 2024, CP Rail (CP.TO) posted a return of -0.05%, placing it at the bottom of the SIA relative strength matrix. It remains deeply in the red, ranking 50th out of 62 in the SIA S&P/TSX 60 Index, with support at $100.85. CN Rail (CNR.TO) saw a return of -10.53%, also in the “Unfavored” zone, with support at $138.84, $130.83, and $116.18. Both stocks have low SMAX scores of 0 and significant resistance levels dating back to 2021.

Shares of Deere & Company (DE) have underperformed in 2024, but recent movement in the SIA S&P 100 Index Report suggests a potential shift. Since mid-August, DE shares have risen from near rock-bottom levels to the top of the “Unfavored” zone, while Caterpillar Inc. (CAT) has moved from the “Favored” zone down into the “Yellow Neutral” zone. Happy New Year Advisors!! For 2025, resolve to gain deeper insights into market trends with the SIA platform — SIA is here to help you stay ahead of these evolving dynamics.

As natural gas prices surge, with a 34.57% YTD increase by December 27th and an additional 15% spike today, energy exposure remains limited for rules-based SIA practitioners due to the sector’s overall “Unfavored” SIA ratings. However, TechnipFMC PLC (FTI), with a 45.30% YTD performance and strong relative strength, stands out as a top performer, offering potential opportunities for early exposure. While the broader energy sector faces technical challenges, these reports may help SIA practitioners identify the top relative strength stocks.

Victoria’s Secret, with a YTD return of 58.93%, ends the year in the top position on the SIA S&P Small Cap 600 Index Report. As the stock bounces off long-term resistance, this Christmas Eve report highlights key support levels. An important takeaway for 2024 is the power of big data analytics—advisors can leverage these insights to make more informed, data-driven decisions. As we head into the new year, now is the perfect time to double down on your SIA education and connect with SIA agents to maximize your advisory practice. From the entire SIA Team we wish you a very Merry Christmas!

Teck Resources Ltd. (TECK.B.TO) recorded a YTD return of +6.72% in late 2024, underperforming the +10.42% return of the SIA S&P/TSX 60 Equal Weight Index. The stock is testing critical support levels around $57.27, with further support at $46.06 and trend-level support near $43. The Metals and Mining sector is currently Unfavored within the SIA sector report.

Cenovus Energy (CVE.TO) has faced a difficult year in terms of stock performance. This analysis focuses on its key technical levels and provides an update on the WTI Crude market, which plays a significant role in Cenovus’s price movements.