After over a month long storm, the global market has finally taken a breather. Heavy sell-offs triggered by the Chinese market slowdown, global growth issues and a steep plunge in oil prices now appear overdone. The factors – mainly oil and China – for which the market went into a tailspin, brought the recent relief (read: Alternative ETFs to Fight the Slump).

The Chinese central bank let the value of the yuan to rise sharply against the U.S. dollar on Monday, when the biggest one-day jump in the currency was seen in almost a decade. The move finally prevented long-standing high-level talks about a meaningful deceleration in yuan.

On the other hand, developments were positive in the oil patch with prices soaring as the market mulled over the possibilities of a deal to limit supplies later in the year. Also, stimulus hopes in Japan and Europe to boost waning economies charged up the market (read: Japan ETFs to Tap on Renewed Stimulus Hopes).

Back home, retail sales for January came in at the stronger side. Retail sales gained 0.2% in January – higher than the consensus estimate of a 0.1% increase. All these developments have brought back the risk-on trade sentiments – which were long missing – in the market. Among the top U.S. ETFs, investors saw SPY add 1.7%, DIA advance 1.4% and QQQ move higher by about 2.3% on February 16.

Not only the U.S. market, all world ETF iShares MSCI ACWI (ACWI) was up 2%, iShares Asia 50 (AIA) jumped 2.8%, China ETF iShares China Large-Cap (FXI) advanced 4.2%, Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF (VGK) moved higher by 1.7% and iShares MSCI Japan (EWJ) climbed 3.7%.

While we do not believe these bounces have legs, investors’ sentiments about risky investments became relatively relaxed lately especially because of compelling valuation.

Thus, momentum investing might be an intriguing idea for those seeking higher returns in a short spell. Momentum investing looks to reflect profits from buying stocks which are sizzling on the market. Below we highlight three momentum stocks and ETFs which may find a place in investors’ wish list (read: Beat the Market with Momentum ETFs).

Stock Picks

For stocks, we have chosen top picks using the Zacks Screener that fits our criteria of a momentum score of ‘A’, stock Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) and positive estimate revisions for the current quarter. Here are the three recommended stocks.
 
Delta Apparel Inc. (DLA)

Based in South Carolina, this retailer of apparel has delivered an average positive earnings surprise of 36.36% over the trailing four quarters. The consensus estimate for the current quarter has risen from $0.07 to $0.33 per share in the last 30 days as one analyst raised the forecast while none cut the estimate.  Along with a Momentum score of ‘A’, the stock also has a Value score of ‘A’. This Zacks Rank #1 stock is up 13.8% so far this year (as of February 16, 2016).

OraSure Technologies Inc. (OSUR)

The company makes and markets oral fluid diagnostic products and specimen collection devices in the United States, Europe, and internationally. OSUR is down 1.1% so far this year. The stock currently has a solid Zacks Industry Rank in the top 18%. It has a Growth score of ‘A’ too. The consensus estimate for the current quarter has risen from breakeven to $0.01 per share. It has delivered an average positive earnings surprise of 216.7% over the trailing four quarters

Tyson Foods Inc. (TSN)
 
Based in Arkansas, the company together with its subsidiaries operates as a food company worldwide. The stock currently has a Growth score of ‘A’, a Value score of ‘B’ and the solid Zacks Industry Rank in the top 1%. In the last 30 days, its projection of earnings increased from $0.86 to $0.93. While one analyst raised its estimate, one analyst cut it in the last 30-day frame. This high-momentum stock is up 16% so far this year (as of February 16, 2016).

ETF Picks 

MSCI International Developed Momentum Factor ETF (IMTM)

The $11-.2 million fund looks to track the performance of large- and mid-capitalization developed international stocks exhibiting relatively higher momentum characteristics. The product charges 30 bps in fees and yields 1.73% annually.

No stock accounts for more than 2.41% of the basket. The fund has a diversified double-digit exposure in the consumer staples, discretionary, financials, industrials and healthcare sectors. The product is heavy on Japan (32.23%) while Germany and U.K. also have solid exposure of 11.33% and 10.07%. IMTM is down 6.8% so far this year but added 3.4% on February 16, 2016. The fund has a Zacks ETF Rank #3 (Hold).

S&P 500 Momentum Portfolio (SPMO)

The $2.4-million fund tracks the performance of stocks in the S&P 500 Index that have a high momentum score. The fund charges 25 bps in fees and is heavy on Consumer Discretionary (31.9%) and Health Care (27.5%). Consumer Staples and IT also have double-digit exposure. SPMO is down 7% year to date but added over 2.2% on February 16, 2016.

Cambria Global Momentum ETF (GMOM)

This active ETF seeks to preserve and grow capital from investments in the U.S. and foreign equity, fixed income, commodity and currency markets, independent of market direction. The bond fund iShares 3-7yr Treasury ETF holds the top position with 11.73% followed by other U.S. treasury funds namely Vanguard ST Bond ETF and iShares 1-3 Year Treasury ETF for the next two spots (read: International Treasury ETFs: Winners Amid Gloom).

The fund charges 94 bps in fees and yields 1.91% annually. Equity ETFs also get a place in the fund. The fund has lost just 1.7% so far this year while it added 0.2% on February 16, 2016. This could be a great pick in the bear market as well.