Europe's chemical makers catch a break as Iran war hits Asian rivals

Europe's embattled chemicals ​industry is getting an unexpected lift from the Iran war, as supply disruptions raise costs ‌for Asian rivals and customers prioritise reliability over price.

Reuters • 17 hours ago

Japan PM Takaichi set for talks with Australia's Albanese on energy security

Japan Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is set to hold talks in Canberra ​on Monday with Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese, ‌at which energy security and rare earths cooperation are likely to be high on the agenda.

Reuters • May 4, 2026

Invest In The Top Part Of The K-Shaped Economy

Investing in technology is now essential as tech sector earnings and profit margins surge, driven by AI infrastructure capex and data center buildouts. Despite high growth and profitability, the tech sector trades at only a modest premium to the S&P 500, with a PEG ratio of 0.8x. Dividend-focused ETFs like TDIV and TDVI offer exposure to tech's upside while providing income, making them attractive for income-seeking investors.

Seeking Alpha • May 2, 2026

Embattled U.S. manufacturers show their metal, grow fourth month in a row despite Iran war

ISM shows strongest expansion since 2022 — but inflation is a big problem

Market Watch • May 1, 2026

Forget Geopolitics: Bet on Earnings Growth & Invest in These Sector ETFs

Strong Q1 earnings momentum continues as S&P 500 firms beat estimates. Tech, Energy lead growth; full-year 2026 outlook stays robust.

Zacks Investment Research • Apr 30, 2026

XLB: Materials' Alpha Cools As The U.S.-Iran Conflict Presses On

State Street Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF remains rated Hold, with valuation no longer compelling after a 20% gain since November 2025. XLB's P/E has risen to 19x, while its sector exposure is highly concentrated and increasingly sensitive to geopolitical and macroeconomic shifts. Technical signals are mixed: XLB recently failed at previous highs, with the 50dma turning down, but the primary trend remains bullish above the 200dma.

Seeking Alpha • Apr 28, 2026

Should You Invest in the State Street Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLB)?

The State Street Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLB) was launched on December 16, 1998, and is a passively managed exchange traded fund designed to offer broad exposure to the Materials - Broad segment of the equity market.

Zacks Investment Research • Apr 20, 2026

This Wall Street Veteran Says the Market Has Bottomed — Here's What He Thinks Comes Next

Whenever a market pro makes a bold call on television, it can be tempting to try to follow him to get a leg up over the crowd.

24/7 Wall Street • Apr 14, 2026

Global PMI: Tracking The Sectors Hit Hardest By The Middle East War

Survey data underscored how the war in the Middle East has already had a material impact on economic growth around the world. Drilling down deeper, the data showed weaker growth trends were recorded across all major industries globally.

Seeking Alpha • Apr 12, 2026

Buy The Dip: Best Stocks To Buy As Stagflation Fear Overshadows Growth Potential

For investors willing to take risk amid elevated stagflation fear, now can be a good time to buy high-quality stocks that have the potential to rebound quickly as market sentiment normalizes. These Quant Strong Buys are stocks to consider, as investors may be overestimating market risks while overlooking the potential for a return to growth. From a range of diverse sectors, each stock has either dipped significantly or returns have been capped by fear.

Seeking Alpha • Mar 26, 2026