NYSE:CS 4 January 2026

Why basic materials stocks are back in play after XLB’s New Year rally

The Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLB) rose 1.7% to $46.12 Friday, closing near its 52-week high as gold held around $4,300 an ounce. Capstone Copper reported a strike at its Mantoverde mine in Chile, with output expected at up to 30%. U.S. jobs and inflation data next week could influence rate-cut expectations. U.S. stocks ended mixed as Treasury yields and the dollar firmed.

4 January 2026

ETFs·NYSE:CS·Stock Market

ASX Rare Earth Stocks Gain from China Export Caps and US-Australia Partnership in 2026
April 3, 2026, 1:19 PM EDT. ASX rare earth stocks are under the spotlight as China's export licensing for seven critical rare earth elements tightens global supply. Implemented in April 2025, it restricts exports vital to Western industries, including electric vehicle motors and defense. Meanwhile, the Australia-US critical minerals partnership established in October 2025 unlocks over US$2.2 billion in financing for Australian producers to expand output. This dual pressure creates a unique scenario where supply constraints from China and US-backed financial support for Australian mining operate independently. Key stocks like Lynas Rare Earths (ASX: LYC) and Arafura Rare Earths (ASX: ARU) stand to benefit, with Lynas leading global non-Chinese production and Arafura positioned to leverage the US Export-Import Bank funds. Investors face a rare, resilient market setup supporting rare earth supply diversification and supply chain security.