Materials Sector Seasonality
How S&P 500 materials stocks have behaved through the calendar year, measured with XLB, the Materials Select Sector SPDR Fund, over the last 15 years. Its strongest month has been November (average +3.89%, higher in 14 of 15 years), and its weakest September (−2.18%, higher in 6 of 15).
Materials seasonality chart
Materials stocks seasonality by month
XLB has beaten the S&P 500 (SPY) on average in 3 of the 12 months, with its biggest edge in November (+0.60%).
| Month | XLB avg | Higher in | SPY avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | +0.42% | 7 of 15 yrs | +1.28% |
| February | +1.41% | 9 of 15 yrs | +1.12% |
| March | +0.42% | 9 of 15 yrs | +0.57% |
| April | +1.76% | 10 of 15 yrs | +1.18% |
| May | +0.05% | 10 of 15 yrs | +1.03% |
| June | +0.28% | 8 of 15 yrs | +1.37% |
| July | +1.73% | 9 of 15 yrs | +2.70% |
| August | −0.18% | 7 of 15 yrs | +0.16% |
| September | −2.18% | 6 of 15 yrs | −1.16% |
| October | +1.88% | 6 of 15 yrs | +2.17% |
| November | +3.89% | 14 of 15 yrs | +3.29% |
| December | −0.03% | 9 of 15 yrs | +0.31% |
From split- and dividend-adjusted prices, complete years only. See our methodology. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Materials stocks in the S&P 500
24 stocks, largest first by market cap as of November 2026. Open any one for its own seasonality chart and best months.
Materials seasonality FAQ
What is the best month for materials stocks?
Measured by XLB over the last 15 years, November has been the strongest month, averaging +3.89% and rising in 14 of 15 years.
What is the worst month for materials stocks?
September has been the weakest, averaging −2.18% and rising in 6 of 15 years.
Which stocks are in the materials sector?
The 24 S&P 500 materials stocks listed on this page, led by LIN, NEM, FCX, ECL, SHW by market cap.
Find the windows starting soon
The Index Scanner checks every stock in a sector at once. Free during beta.
Open the Index ScannerOther sectors
Compare them all in the best month for every sector ETF.