In trading on Thursday, precious metals shares were relative leaders, up on the day by about 2.1%. Leading the group were shares of Gold Fields Limited, up about 5.8% and shares of Harmony Gold Mining up about 5.5% on the day.

Also showing relative strength are life & health insurance shares, up on the day by about 2.1% as a group, led by Principal Financial Group, trading higher by about 7.1% and Genworth Financial, trading up by about 4.8% on Thursday.

VIDEO: Thursday Sector Leaders: Precious Metals, Life & Health Insurance Stocks