XLU and SO: Analyzing Moving Averages and Short Interest

The Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLU) is currently trading at ~$58.0, marginally above its 50-day and 5% above its 200-day simple moving average levels. These levels close to $57.9 and $55.1 could act as support for XLU in the short to medium term. XLU’s RSI (relative strength index) stood at 54, indicating that it is neither in the oversold nor in the overbought zone.

Sign up for Bagels & Stox, our witty take on the top market and investment news, straight to your inbox! Whether you’re a serious investor or just want to be informed, Bagels & Stox will be your favorite email.

Top utility Southern Company (SO) has shown a solid rally so far this year. It is up more than 20% and is currently trading close to its all-time high. Its RSI stood at 63 at last week’s closing. Southern Company stock is trading 3% and 12% above its 50-day and 200-day moving average levels, respectively. The fair premium to both the support levels indicates strength in the stock.

Short interest in XLU grew 8% as of April 30. The total shorted units were 43.9 million on April 15 and increased to 47.6 million on April 30.

The short interest indicates the total number of shares that have been sold short and not covered back yet. A decrease in XLU’s short interest might suggest that fewer investors expect it to fall from the current levels. SO’s short interest decreased 5% as of April 30.