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NYSE:MLM 1 January 2026 - 7 February 2026

Basic materials stocks jump to start 2026 — XLB rises as copper steadies and miners climb

Basic materials stocks jump to start 2026 — XLB rises as copper steadies and miners climb

U.S. basic materials stocks rose on the first trading day of 2026, with the Materials Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLB) up 1.7% to $46.12. Freeport-McMoRan gained 2.25%, Dow Inc climbed 3.81%, and copper futures settled 0.18% higher at $5.64 a pound. The S&P 500 added 0.19%. Investors are watching next week’s labor data and Fed rate cut signals.
Basic materials stocks today: XLB ends 2025 lower as silver slumps, China PMI surprise in focus

Basic materials stocks today: XLB ends 2025 lower as silver slumps, China PMI surprise in focus

Spot silver fell 7.1% and spot gold dropped 0.78% Wednesday as U.S. basic materials ETFs XLB and IYM lost 0.83% and 0.98%. Freeport-McMoRan slid 1.21%, Newmont 1.97%. China’s official PMI rose to 50.1 in December, signaling expansion for the first time in eight months. U.S. markets are closed Thursday for New Year’s Day.
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