Though the year is still very young, 2012 has gotten off to a promising start for investors. Major stock indexes have generally climbed higher throughout the first few weeks thanks to a number of encouraging data releases and reduced anxiety over the potential fallout from the European debt crisis [see also Early ETF Stars of 2012]. The second half of last year saw a flight among investors to safer securities, including utilities and dividend stocks. But as expected volatility continues to drop and momentum continues to build, many are likely looking for opportunities to dial up exposure to risky assets that generally experience greater volatility on the upside as well. The consumer discretionary sector tends to be a high beta segment of the market that performs rather well when markets are showing strength. That connection is rather obvious; when consumer confidence–and spending–are on the rise, companies that provide entertainment, travel [...] Click here to read the original article on ETFdb.com. Related Posts: Starbucks Earnings: Good News For “Restaurant ETF” ETF Sector Rotation Strategies: Beyond The SPDRs ETFs & Sector Rotation: Large Cap, Small Cap, Or International? Beyond XLY: Three Pure Play Consumer Discretionary ETFs Tax Efficiency Report Card