AIMing sector ETFs is more trend following than "volatility capture". As you've mentioned there's not a great deal of frequency or amplitude of weekly or monthly price change for AIM to be busy. However, there's price appreciation and in some cases there are dividends to be captured.
So, while not ideal AIM vehicles, sector ETFs aren't bad investments. AIM acts to enhance sector ETF performance over time with its nominal activity. It will still do the right thing at the right time.
Here's where my ETFs fall in a broad brush review:
SectorPosition in Lichello Band Large Cap US Nearer Sell Healthcare Nearer Sell Biotech Nearer Sell Info Tech Nearer Sell Financials Nearer Sell Cons Discr Nearer Middle Cons Staples Nearer Middle Energy Nearer Middle Industrials Nearer Middle Utilities Nearer Middle Gold Nearer Middle Materials Nearer Middle Region Japan Nearer Sell Pacific Rim Nearer Sell Emerging Mkts Nearer Middle Euro Zone Nearer Middle Latin America Nearer Buy
(The Lichello band is the "Hold Zone" by a different name.)
Of thse ETF, only one is showing a 12 month loss (energy) and that one only a small loss. Two are about break-even. All the rest are in positive territory for the year-over year. In all there were 22 AIM directed transactions in the last 12 months with a tilt toward buying (accumulating). In the last six months there have been no buys, and several sells (distribution). The last two months have been essentially "hold" only.
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