Schwab Trading Activity Index™: Score Moves Fractionally Higher in May, Remaining at Moderate-Low Levels
The Schwab Trading Activity Index™ (STAX) rose slightly to 49.05 in May from 48.87 in April, indicating a 'moderate low' activity level. Schwab's clients were net buyers, focusing on technology stocks, especially AI-related chipmakers and e-commerce companies. The S&P 500, Dow Jones Industrial Average, and Nasdaq Composite reached new highs, while the Cboe Volatility Index fell significantly. Despite economic headwinds like a brief rise in the 10-year treasury yield and mixed job reports, U.S. equity markets showed resilience. Notable purchases included NVIDIA (NVDA), AMD (AMD), Tesla (TSLA), Amazon (AMZN), and Microsoft (MSFT). Clients sold stocks such as Apple (AAPL), Alibaba (BABA), Bank of America (BAC), Snap (SNAP), and Exxon Mobil (XOM).
- STAX increased slightly to 49.05 in May from 48.87 in April.
- Clients were net buyers, increasing exposure to technology and AI-related stocks.
- S&P 500, Dow Jones Industrial Average, and Nasdaq Composite reached new all-time highs in May.
- Cboe Volatility Index dropped from 15.03 to 12.92, indicating reduced market volatility.
- Notable stocks bought included high-performing tech companies like NVIDIA, AMD, and Tesla.
- STAX remains at a 'moderate low' level historically.
- Nonfarm payrolls increased by only 175,000 in April, below the 243,000 estimate.
- Initial jobless claims were slightly higher than expected at 219,000.
- Consumer Price Index rose 0.3% in April, with a 12-month increase of 3.4%.
- Producer Price Index saw a 12-month rise of 2.2%, reflecting ongoing inflation pressures.
- June Crude Oil Futures declined by nearly 7%, ending at $76.99 per barrel.
Schwab clients were net buyers during the May period, decreasing exposure in the Communication Services, Consumer Discretionary and Financial sectors
Schwab Trading Activity Index May 2024 (Graphic: Charles Schwab)
The reading for the five-week period ending May 31, 2024, ranks “moderate low” compared to historic averages.
“As they were in April, Schwab clients were net buyers of equities during the May STAX period as they increased exposure to technology-related names, especially those related to Artificial Intelligence (AI) chip makers and the e-commerce and media companies that rely on them,” said Joe Mazzola, Head Trading & Derivatives Strategist at Charles Schwab. “Despite a significant amount of buzz, we didn’t see any of the so-called ‘meme stocks’ rising to the top of the most bought or sold names in May, although we did note that interest in those names was significantly greater among Schwab’s younger clients than it was across the general client population.”
On May 31, Core Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) were reported at
Popular names bought by Schwab clients during the period included:
- NVIDIA Corp. (NVDA)
- Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (AMD)
- Tesla Inc. (TSLA)
- Amazon.com Inc. (AMZN)
- Microsoft Corp. (MSFT)
Names net sold by Schwab clients during the period included:
- Apple Inc. (AAPL)
- Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. (BABA)
- Bank of America Corp. (BAC)
- Snap Inc. (SNAP)
- Exxon Mobil Corp. (XOM)
About the STAX
The STAX value is calculated based on a complex proprietary formula. Each month, Schwab pulls a sample from its client base of millions of funded accounts, which includes accounts that completed a trade in the past month. The holdings and positions of this statistically significant sample are evaluated to calculate individual scores, and the median of those scores represents the monthly STAX.
For more information on the Schwab Trading Activity Index, please visit www.schwab.com/investment-research/stax. Additionally, Schwab clients can chart the STAX using the symbol $STAX in either the thinkorswim® or thinkorswim mobile platforms.
Investing involves risk, including loss of principal. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
Content intended for educational/informational purposes only. Not investment advice, or a recommendation of any security, strategy, or account type.
Historical data should not be used alone when making investment decisions. Please consult other sources of information and consider your individual financial position and goals before making an independent investment decision.
The STAX is not a tradable index. The STAX should not be used as an indicator or predictor of future client trading volume or financial performance for Schwab. STAX data includes that from accounts of TD Ameritrade, Inc. clients which have not yet transferred to Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., as part of our planned integration.
TD Ameritrade, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC, a subsidiary of The Charles Schwab Corporation.
About Charles Schwab
At Charles Schwab, we believe in the power of investing to help individuals create a better tomorrow. We have a history of challenging the status quo in our industry, innovating in ways that benefit investors and the advisors and employers who serve them, and championing our clients’ goals with passion and integrity.
More information is available at aboutschwab.com. Follow us on X, Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
0624-6NHE
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240610213186/en/
Margaret Farrell
Director, Corporate Communications
(203) 434-2240
margaret.farrell@schwab.com
Source: The Charles Schwab Corporation
FAQ
What is the Schwab Trading Activity Index™ (STAX) score for May 2024?
What sectors did Schwab clients decrease exposure to in May 2024?
Which stocks were most bought by Schwab clients in May 2024?
Which stocks were most sold by Schwab clients in May 2024?
How did U.S. equity markets perform in May 2024?
What was the performance of the Cboe Volatility Index in May 2024?
What were the U.S. economic indicators in May 2024?