Market Darlings Getting Pummeled

Author's Avatar
Nov 11, 2011
There has been a horror show in momentum stocks recently, especially Netflix (NFLX, Financial), Green Mountain Roasters (GMCR, Financial), OpenTable (OPEN), Travelzoo (TZOO, Financial), Sina (SINA, Financial), et al.


I can't recall another period I've been around where so many momentumstocks(i.e., market darlings) have been taken out behind the barn and shot, while the broader market is relatively neutral or positive. In fact, much of the damage was done in October which was one of the best months in market history. I've compiled a list of names below, and their performance during the last 90 days

— it is staggering to see the damage in these once high fliers.


Netflix (NFLX) -65%

Green Mountain Roasters (GMCR) -60%

First Solar (FSLR, Financial) -57%

OpenTable (OPEN) -41%

Travelzoo (TZOO) -37%

Molycorp (MCP, Financial) -34%

Sina (SINA) -26%


In the survivor camp we have names like Chipotle Mexican Grill (CMG, Financial), lululemon (LULU, Financial), Whole Food Markets (WMM, Financial), Mastercard (MA, Financial), and Priceline (PCLN, Financial). Intuitive Surgical (ISRG) — which is either hated or loved, depending on the quarter, is back in the loved seat.


Baidu (BIDU), Amazon (AMZN), and Apple (AAPL) took some hits this quarter as well, but are sort of just meandering sideways.


It has definitely been slim pickings for those who have been hiding out in the 'usual suspects'.