Five interesting things that Hodges Capital research analysts discovered this week...

#1 EQUITY FLOWS SHIFT: According to a report from Strategas Research, equity ETF flows have picked up after being restrained for much of the year. Investors' appetite for risk seems to have increased in November due to a perception that Fed rate hikes may be on hold, resulting in the strongest month for flows into equity ETFs in over a year.

#2 GRAYING BLACK FRIDAY: Data from Google search trends suggests that interest in shopping the day after Thanksgiving may become less important. This is likely due to retailers offering deals earlier in the shopping season and a greater interest in online shopping.    

#3 U.S. ELECTRIC VEHICLE TRENDS: According to a Jefferies report citing Wards Auto data, U.S. electric vehicle sales in October continued to grow, albeit slower, up 27.6% year-over-year. It is also estimated that the penetration rate of electric/hybrid vehicles is now 9.3% of new car sales.    

#4 AGING DEMOGRAPHICS: The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that by the end of the current decade, 21% of the country is expected to be considered a senior citizen, increasing from 17% in 2020 and 13% in 2010.

#5 STEEL: The U.S. Steel Import Monitor maintained by the Department of Commerce's International Trade Administration showed that Steel imports slowed to 2,207,812 net tons in October. Such a slowdown correlates with improved spot pricing for hot-rolled coil steel used in auto manufacturing, which is now back above $1,000/ton for December delivery after falling to $730/ton in September.

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