Ticker

It's likely fair to say that all of the sectors of the equity market have reacted to 2026's geopolitical pressures in different ways, be it positive or negative. That being said, none have moved in quite as interesting a direction as the materials sector.

The order comes as the administration has ramped up efforts to break China's stranglehold on the mining and processing of rare earths needed for defense and autos.

Q2 earnings are off to a strong start. Tech, Energy, Materials, Finance and Aerospace ETFs could shine as profit growth broadens across sectors.

HALO stocks are gaining favor as investors rotate toward tangible assets and AI-resistant businesses. Here are ETFs to play the trend.

State Street Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF is rated 'Hold' due to limited upside after a recent sector rebound. The materials sector benefits from infrastructure and manufacturing trends, but much of the cyclical recovery appears priced in. XLB offers efficient, low-cost exposure to large-cap U.S. materials companies, but its concentrated portfolio amplifies cyclicality risks.