Materials Stocks Surge: Best Performing Sector Early 2026
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Source: CNBC
- Materials Performance: As of early 2026, the Materials Select Sector SPDR (XLB) has risen 6%, already delivering over half of its full-year 2025 return, indicating a robust recovery in the materials sector and increased investor confidence.
- Mortgage Rate Decline: Following Trump's plan to lower borrowing costs, mortgage rates have dipped to their lowest level in five years, driving a strong rebound in homebuilding stocks and reflecting optimistic market expectations for construction materials demand.
- CRH Outlook: CRH Plc, as a global building materials company, benefits from growth in the North American market, with increased demand for its diversified materials portfolio expected as construction activity picks up, likely driving company performance.
- Martin Marietta Materials: Martin Marietta holds a significant position in both public infrastructure and private construction markets, with lower borrowing costs improving project economics, which is expected to boost its materials sales and further solidify its market position.
Analyst Views on CRH
Wall Street analysts forecast CRH stock price to rise over the next 12 months. According to Wall Street analysts, the average 1-year price target for CRH is 142.05 USD with a low forecast of 131.00 USD and a high forecast of 164.00 USD. However, analyst price targets are subjective and often lag stock prices, so investors should focus on the objective reasons behind analyst rating changes, which better reflect the company's fundamentals.
14 Analyst Rating
13 Buy
1 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 124.490
Low
131.00
Averages
142.05
High
164.00
Current: 124.490
Low
131.00
Averages
142.05
High
164.00
About CRH
CRH PLC is an Ireland-based company. The Company manufactures and distributes a diverse range of superior building materials and products, which are used in construction projects of all sizes. It operates in three segments across two divisions. Its divisions include Americas and International. Its Americas Division comprises two segments: Americas Materials Solutions and Americas Building Solutions. Americas Materials Solutions provides building materials for the construction and maintenance of public infrastructure and commercial and residential buildings in North America. The primary materials produced by this segment include aggregates, cement, readymixed concrete and asphalt. Americas Building Solutions manufactures, supplies and delivers solutions for the built environment in communities across North America. Its International Division, which comprises one segment, International Solutions, is a provider of integrated building solutions primarily across Europe and Australia.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
