3 Market Themes Driving Stocks Right Now: AI, Alt Energy and Commodities

AI, Alternative Energy and Commodity stocks are all leading this market as a confluence of economic developments drive growth and constrain supply.

Zacks Investment Research • May 8, 2026

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

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

Commodity Prices Are Soaring Again. Here Are 3 ETFs to Ride the Trend

The Invesco DB Agriculture Fund (NYSE:DBA) is a commodity pool that tracks the DBIQ Diversified Agriculture Index Excess Return by holding futures contracts on corn, soybeans, sugar, coffee, cocoa, wheat, cattle, and hogs.

24/7 Wall Street • Apr 24, 2026

XME: The Equal-Weight Metals Play For 2026

The SPDR S&P Metals & Mining ETF (XME) is positioned as a strategic vehicle for AI infrastructure, defense, and energy transition tailwinds. XME benefits from regulatory support, including the 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act' and 'Project Vault,' driving demand for critical minerals and domestic production. The fund's equal-weight approach offers diversified exposure to steel, copper, uranium, and other metals, with a forward P/E of 14.55x and projected 14.21% 3-5 year earnings growth.

Seeking Alpha • Apr 2, 2026

This Surprising Sector Has Slid During the Iran War

The SPDR S&P Metals and Mining ETF has fallen nearly 6% since the Iran conflict began as higher oil prices and economic slowdown fears weigh on metals demand.

Barrons • Mar 13, 2026

3 Reasons Why Mining ETFs Are Shining Bright

Mining ETFs are outperforming as AI demand, green energy expansion and geopolitical supply risks drive strong momentum in metals and raw materials.

Zacks Investment Research • Mar 3, 2026

XME Rode Gold to a Near Double, Now Freeport's Q2 Restart Will Test the Rally

The SPDR S&P Metals & Mining ETF (NYSEARCA:XME) has nearly doubled over the past year, climbing from around $62 to $118, as investors pile into commodities exposed to electrification, defense, and monetary policy uncertainty.

24/7 Wall Street • Feb 18, 2026

Metals Whiplash: 2 Top ETFs For Diversified Materials Exposure

Precious metals plunged after President Trump named his Fed chair nominee, a sharp swing that saw gold surpass bitcoin in volatility while mining stocks tumbled. Investors rushed to buy the dip, but volatility underscored the value of diversifying across metals with different demand drivers and macroeconomic exposure. Diversified ETFs offer access to a broad range of metal and mining stocks spanning the materials and energy sectors.

Seeking Alpha • Feb 4, 2026

US $12 Billion Critical Minerals Stockpile Puts Rare Earth ETFs Back In Focus

A fresh push from Washington to secure access to critical minerals could bring fresh investor interest across the U.S. ETF market.

Benzinga • Feb 2, 2026