5 ETFs to Watch This Week

NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- Here are five ETFs to watch this week.

PowerShares QQQ (QQQ)

Apple (AAPL) was talk of the town for another week as analysts, market commentators, and consumers anxiously awaited the arrival of the company's new iPad. The market appears confident that this product will be another big hit and, in response, shares of the Cupertino, California-based titan surged as high as $600.

Representing nearly 20% of QQQ's portfolio, Apple's performance weighs heavily on the fund's day-to-day action.

They represent only a minor slice of QQQ's portfolio compared to Apple, but Adobe (ADBE) and Oracle (ORCL) are also worth watching this week. The software giants will step up to the earnings plate on Monday and Tuesday respectively.

Investors looking for heavier exposure to the pair should turn to the iShares S&P North American Technology-Software Index Fund (IGV).

United States Oil Fund (USO)

Recent government data indicates inflation remains in check. However, consumers who have visited the pump recently would likely beg to differ. With rising fuel prices threatening to curtail the economic recovery, Washington has begun to take notice.

Apple's New iPad: Let the Orders Roll In

Last week, President Obama and U.K. Prime Minister, David Cameron discussed the possibility of tapping into emergency oil reserves. Although the news from the meeting pushed crude prices lower, no solid decisions were reached and it's difficult to determine where energy prices will head next.

iShares Barclays 7-10 Year Treasury Bond Fund (IEF)

U.S. Treasuries tumbled last week as increasingly confident investors ventured out of safe havens in search of risky assets. The pain could be felt across the maturity spectrum with IEF, the iShares Barclays 1-3 Year Treasury Bond Fund (SHY) and the iShares Barclays 20+ Year Treasury Bond Fund (TLT) all suffering notable losses.

U.S. debt could tumble further as investors attempt to position their portfolios for strength. However, investors should exercise caution, given the speed and magnitude of the tumble. It will be interesting to see if a rebound is in the cards.

SPDR S&P Homebuilder ETF (XHB)

First-Quarter Earnings Season Will Test Rally

Next week's economic calendar is packed with housing-related data points. Housing starts, existing home sales, and new home sales are among the reports that will influence the action seen from XHB and the iShares Dow Jones U.S. Home Construction Index Fund (ITB). While I remain hesitant about this corner of the real estate sector, it is difficult to ignore the recent strength here: Over the past two weeks, both funds have managed to push to 2012 highs.

1 2 Next › Last »