Best And Worst ETFs Of The Week Amid Strong Jobs Report

Friday's jobs report indicated a better than expected gain of 295,000 payrolls, which originated despite the shortened month of February and inclement weather conditions across much of the country. This data sent both stocks and bonds lower as investors started to anticipate the U.S. economic growth engine may force the Federal Reserves' hand in raising benchmark interest rates this year. One of the strongest areas of the market on Friday was the PowerShares U.S. Dollar Bullish ETF (UUP), which gained over 1 percent and continues its near vertical ascent to new 52-week highs. This move in currencies weighed heavily on international investments and gold-backed funds such as the SPDR Gold Shares ETF (GLD) as well. The following ETFs represent a sample of the best- and worst-performing funds over the last five trading sessions. BEST: Solar Stocks Solar stocks have been on a tremendous push this year and the Guggenheim Solar ETF (TAN) is one of the beneficiaries of this strength. TAN gained 11 percent this week and is now more than 28 percent higher since the start of 2015. This ETF is the largest index dedicated to 29 stocks in the solar industry with over $400 million in total assets. TAN is a truly global fund, with 47 percent of the portfolio allocated to the United States and the remainder spread among China, Hong Kong, and other developed nations. The relative strength of TAN versus the broader market should make this ETF one to watch over the course of 2015. WORST: Gold Miners Gold mining stocks truly felt the effects of falling bullion prices and equity volatility this week. The Market Vectors Gold Miners ETF (GDX) dropped more than 12 percent over the last five trading sessions and has nearly erased all of its gains for the year. GDX tracks a portfolio of 38 small, mid, and large-cap global mining companies. This ETF has more than $7 billion in total assets and has been in a slow decline since peaking in January. Gold mining stocks typically exhibit higher volatility than traditional gold bullion prices and Friday's weakness may bring out more sellers anticipating further downside.