From checking your e-mail to posting pictures on social media, you use this technology every day.
Smartphones, computers, and radios all rely on it.
But despite its importance in society, the entire sector that designs and builds this technology has struggled recently.
In fact, it's down roughly 4% this year. And it has underperformed the overall U.S. market so far in 2018.
I'm talking about this today because – based on history – the sector's recent poor performance is likely coming to an end.
A major reversal is likely right around the corner. And when it happens, this group of stocks could soar 24% over the next year...
I'm talking about the semiconductor sector.
Again, these companies design and build computer chips that go in things like smartphones and computers.
Semiconductor stocks have been trending down in recent months. And the sector recently hit a new 52-week low.
Normally, this is a sign that more losses are likely. After all, a stock that's trending down will likely continue to hit new lows. And a stock that is moving higher will likely continue hitting new highs in the short term.
But that's not the case right now for semiconductor stocks. Today, history says the current downturn in semiconductors has likely run its course.
The sector hit a new 52-week low late last month. Take a look...
October was brutal for the sector. Semiconductor stocks were down 12% for the month. And the fall pushed the entire sector to a fresh low for the year.
You might think this is bad news. But history says it points to a buying opportunity.
Since 1995, the sector has hit a new 52-week low just a handful of times. And similar cases actually led to major outperformance. Take a look...
The sector has been an impressive performer over the past 25 years. But buying after similar 52-week lows more than doubled the return of a simple buy-and-hold strategy.
In short, similar cases have led to 15% gains in six months and 24% gains over the next year. Those are impressive numbers.
While we look at history to guide us going forward, I can't recommend buying semiconductors just yet. We simply don't have a strong uptrend in place.
However, history says buying after a new 52-week low is a good idea. That means when the uptrend returns, this sector could be a big winner over the next year.
Good investing,
Chris Igou
Further Reading
Chris says we could soon get a great opportunity to buy semiconductor stocks. The same is true of another market sector – with triple-digit upside potential as the bull market continues... Get the details here.
"Precious metals have fallen further than people expected, over a longer period of time than they expected," Steve writes. Learn which precious metal recently hit a crucial level, and why it could signal a massive rally ahead, right here.
This stock has been beaten down in recent weeks. But this gaming giant recently triggered an important contrarian signal. And big gains are possible when the uptrend returns...
THIS COSMETICS RETAILER IS CARVING OUT ITS NICHE
Today's chart shows how one beauty retailer is staying competitive...
Retail is a cutthroat business – especially for beauty stores. High-end luxury shops like Sephora lure in customers with bigger budgets, while CVS Health (CVS) and other drugstores offer more affordable options. Meanwhile, e-commerce companies like Amazon (AMZN) can mail products right to your door...
So how does a specialty cosmetics store stay competitive? Let's look at Ulta Beauty (ULTA). The $19 billion company sells makeup, skin cleansers, hairspray, and more. But it's one of the few to sell both luxury and mass consumer brands. Ulta has become a "one-stop shop" for a wide range of shoppers... which seems to be working in its favor. Roughly 77% of its shoppers buy both its prestige and mass-market brands. And in the second quarter, the company grew sales 15% year over year.
And as you can see, Ulta's stock has climbed nearly 60% over the past year and recently hit a new all-time high. In a cutthroat business, this company thrives by giving all its customers the upscale experience...
