In 2026, steel stocks have shown a wide range of returns, with Nucor leading at a 49% gain and Worthington Steel barely moving, up just 0.2%. Steel Dynamics also performed well with a 34% gain, while the sector ETF rose 25%, masking the uneven performance within the industry. Nucor and Steel Dynamics benefit from strong credit ratings, scale, and exposure to growth markets like data centers and reshoring, while Worthington Steel, a smaller processor, lacks these advantages. The performance gap is expected to persist into 2027, with upcoming earnings reports potentially indicating whether the laggard can close the gap or if the divergence will continue.
The VanEck Steel ETF (SLX) has been upgraded from Hold to Buy due to persistent bullish steel market fundamentals expected to continue through August 2026. Factors driving steel prices higher include tariffs, sanctions, and rising production costs, p...
Nucor Corporation is set for durable growth as U.S. steel demand strengthens and imports decline, supporting higher prices and volumes. New production capacity from facilities in West Virginia and Utah will drive volume growth, though start-up costs ...
