Apparel stocks break out of the pack

• The apparel sector is out-gaining market averages as sentiment swings positive. There's been some analysis suggesting that apparel sellers will benefit from the Trans-Pacific Partnership on the cost side. Lower cotton and oil prices are also working in the favor of apparel companies, although hedging against the strong U.S. dollar is an ongoing risk.
• On the manufacturing side: G-III Apparel (NASDAQ:GIII) +2.6%, Columbia Sportswear (NASDAQ:COLM) +2.1%, Michael Kors (KORS) +1.8%, PVH Corp. (NYSE:PVH) +1.6%, Ralph Lauren (NYSE:RL) +1.4%.
• On the chain store side: Cato (NYSE:CATO) +5.1%, Ascena Retail (NASDAQ:ASNA) +3.4%, American Eagle Outfitters (NYSE:AEO) +3.4%, Abercrombie & Fitch (NYSE:ANF) +3.1%, Francesca's Holdings (NASDAQ:FRAN) +2.6%, L Brands (NYSE:LB) +2.1%.