spec end of the market

I have been wondering if its only the few spec companies i hold which have been copping a flogging of late when you see the us economy at record high.i looked at 50 oil and gas spec and a few goldies.a large majority are struggling meaning between 25 and 50 % loss in past 6 months.a lot are running low on capital also and will need a cr soon at low prices.
My blue chip stocks are doing extremely well and the ones providing a decent ff div are at near highs.im starting to wonder if punters have decided to avoid the spec end of the market to concentrate on safe div paying stocks as there is very little interest or volume at present