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Financial markets today, July 16, 2025, are witnessing significant movements across various sectors, with cryptocurrencies leading the charge upwards, and natural gas also posting notable gains. Conversely, sectors like semiconductors, cannabis, and solar power are experiencing pullbacks. This report delves into the top three and bottom three performing sectors, highlighting those with changes exceeding 2%, along with technical analysis and relevant market catalysts.
Top Performers: Crypto and Natural Gas Ignite the Market
Crypto – Ethereum (ETHA)
The cryptocurrency sector is ablaze today, with Ethereum leading the gains. Ethereum (ETHA) surged an impressive 6.64%, showcasing a strong bullish trend. Technical analysis for Ethereum indicates a "Bearish Reversal From Overbought" on Bollinger Bands, yet the On-Balance Volume (OBV) points to a "Strong Bullish Volume Trend (Consistent Accumulation)," supported by "Strong Bullish Momentum" from the MACD. Ethereum's price has soared past $3,100, reaching approximately $3,148.96 to $3,202.10 USDT, with some reports showing gains as high as 9.77% in the last 24 hours.
This robust performance is largely attributed to renewed institutional interest and positive regulatory sentiment. US Bitcoin (IBIT) and Ethereum spot ETFs have recorded positive inflows for over a week, signaling sustained demand. The market is also buoyed by optimism surrounding "Crypto Week" and rising policy expectations, including the anticipated passage of the GENIUS Act. Further institutional backing was highlighted by Peter Thiel's investment funds acquiring a 9.1% stake in Bitmine Immersion Technologies, a firm focused on Ethereum treasury strategies. The Moscow Exchange is also set to launch a fund tracking an Ethereum ETF, underscoring growing global interest. Ethereum's Total Value Locked (TVL) has jumped 33% to $63.4 billion, driven by stablecoin growth and real-world assets.
Natural Gas (UNG)
Natural Gas (UNG) is also experiencing a significant upswing today, climbing 2.50%. The technical analysis for UNG reveals a "Bearish Trend with Middle Band Resistance" on Bollinger Bands, an "Established Bearish Volume Trend" according to OBV, but a "Bullish MACD Crossover." Despite some bearish technical indicators, the price action suggests a strong intraday move. Natural gas futures were seen rising in early trading, with the August Nymex contract up 3.7 cents to $3.560/MMBtu. The commodity's price rose to $3.56 USD/MMBtu, up 1.14% from the previous day, though some reports indicate a 1.62% increase.
This surge is primarily driven by hotter-than-expected weather forecasts across the U.S., which are increasing demand for air conditioning and boosting gas power burns to their second-highest level of the summer. Globally, the European Union continues to import natural gas due to the ongoing reduction in Russian gas supply. Furthermore, India's state-run gas utility GAIL is in preliminary discussions to import liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the Trump-supported Alaska LNG project, indicating potential future demand.
Other Top 5 Sector: Crypto – BTC (IBIT)
Bitcoin (IBIT) also saw positive movement today, up 1.91%. Technical analysis shows a "Bullish Band Ride (Upper Band Support)" on Bollinger Bands, though OBV is "Approaching Bearish Crossover," while MACD indicates "Strong Bullish Momentum." Bitcoin's price is trading around $117,289 to $119,154, with gains ranging from 0.65% to 2.3% today. The broader crypto market's positive sentiment, fueled by ETF inflows and regulatory optimism, has also lifted Bitcoin.
Bottom Performers: Semiconductors, Cannabis, and Solar Face Headwinds
Semiconductors (SMH)
The semiconductor sector, represented by the VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH), is down 1.59% today. Technical indicators for SMH show a "Bullish Trend with Middle Band Support" on Bollinger Bands, a "Strong Bullish Volume Trend (Consistent Accumulation)" on OBV, but a "Bearish Divergence" on MACD, suggesting underlying weakness despite recent accumulation.
News from the sector highlights both progress and challenges. A flagship CHIPS R&D facility, the National Semiconductor Technology Center EUV Accelerator, opened in Albany, New York, on July 14, funded by the CHIPS and Science Act. This facility aims to enhance EUV technology and scale up chip manufacturing. However, the industry is grappling with "uncontrolled random patterning variations" (stochastics) that are costing manufacturers billions in lost yield and delayed production. Additionally, chipmakers' shares were impacted after ASML Holding (ASML) warned that growth could stall in 2026. Valens Semiconductor (VLN) is set to announce its Q2 2025 financial results on August 6, which could provide further insights into the sector's health.
Cannabis (MSOS)
The cannabis sector, tracked by the AdvisorShares Pure US Cannabis ETF (MSOS), is down 1.53%. Technical analysis for MSOS shows a "Bullish Trend with Middle Band Support" on Bollinger Bands, OBV "Approaching Bearish Crossover," and a "Histogram Direction Change (Bearish)" on MACD.
The sector continues to face regulatory uncertainties and operational challenges. Michigan is reportedly leading the nation in cannabis business violations. More broadly, a bipartisan proposal to ban most hemp-derived THC products is advancing in the Senate, and a congressional panel is moving to block cannabis rescheduling, creating headwinds for the industry. Despite these legislative hurdles, some positive developments include a new study suggesting that homes in states with legal marijuana are worth more. Local news also reported the opening of a Cheech & Chong smoke shop in Denton, Texas, with expansion plans, though it faces concerns over Texas' Senate Bill 3, which aimed to ban consumable hemp-based THC products.
Solar Power (TAN)
The Invesco Solar ETF (TAN) is down 1.24% today. Technical analysis for TAN indicates a "Bullish Trend with Middle Band Support" on Bollinger Bands, "Bullish Divergence (Price Down, OBV Up)" on OBV, and "General Bullish" momentum on MACD. While the provided data shows a decline today, some reports from July 15 indicated a slight gain of 0.0522% for TAN.
The sector has recently seen some negative signals, including a sell signal from a pivot top point on July 10, leading to a 1.54% fall since then. Broader political developments, such as House Climate Law Rollbacks and a recent executive order by President Trump, have created fresh uncertainties for renewable energy investors, potentially impacting the solar sector.
Energy – Oil (USO) and Oil & Gas (XOP)
While not among the top 3 or bottom 3 with the largest percentage changes today, the broader energy sector is showing mixed signals. The United States Oil Fund (USO) is down 0.92%, with technical analysis indicating "Consolidation Around Mean (Low Volatility)" on Bollinger Bands, "Bullish Divergence (Price Down, OBV Up)" on OBV, and "Steady Bearish" on MACD. The SPDR S&P Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF (XOP) is down 1.13%, with an "Extreme Bollinger Squeeze (Breakout Imminent)," a "Bearish OBV/EMA Crossover (Distribution Signal)," and a "Bearish MACD Crossover."
Crude oil prices are seeing slight movements today. WTI crude fell around 1.00% to 1.29%, while Brent crude also saw a decline of 0.82% to 1.09%. This modest uptick came after two consecutive sessions of declines. Oil prices are being supported by seasonal demand from the U.S. and China, but broader economic uncertainties are capping gains. OPEC maintains an optimistic outlook for the latter half of 2025, projecting improved global economic performance. A new "megalaw" signed by President Trump on July 4 has slashed royalty rates for oil and gas production on federal land, reverting to 1920 levels, a move celebrated by industry groups. However, TotalEnergies expects lower oil and gas prices to impact its second-quarter earnings. The Competition Bureau also reached an agreement with Schlumberger to address competition concerns regarding its acquisition of ChampionX Corporation, an oilfield services provider.
Today's market activity underscores the dynamic interplay of fundamental news, technical indicators, and broader economic narratives shaping sector performance. Investors will continue to monitor these trends for future opportunities and risks.
Ed Liston is a senior contributing editor at TheStockMarketWatch.com. An active market watcher and investor, Ed guides an independent team of experienced analysts and writes for multiple stock trader publications.