The basic materials sector has had a strong year in 2026. That performance is confirmed by the iShares U.S. Basic Materials ETF (NYSEARCA: IYM). It’s up more than 17% in 2026 and 21% in the last 12 months. Both numbers are higher than the S&P 500 average of around 13% (with dividends reinvested).
This broad sector includes steelmakers. Many individual names, such as Nucor (NYSE: NUE) and Steel Dynamics (NASDAQ: STLD), have outpaced the IYM ETF, and analysts believe both stocks have further upside ahead.