Energy Sector Funds Extend Lead Over Technology Fund in 2026

The Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund has gained 53.3% year to date, ahead of the Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund’s 36.8% rise. Over the past two weeks, energy reached new highs while the technology sector pulled back.

The S&P 500 is up 15% year to date. Headline inflation rose 3.7% year over year in September, a tenth of a percentage point above expectations, and bond yields moved higher.

Refining margins have drawn attention within the energy sector. The diesel crack spread, a measure of the margin from processing crude oil into diesel, rose from about $25 a barrel in January to a September peak above $110. It has since eased to around $95, while the VanEck Oil Refiners ETF has held near its highs.

Marathon Petroleum shares have climbed within a well-defined trading channel since their 2020 low. The stock recently traded at about $477, compared with a 200-week moving average near $181. A resistance area has been identified between $600 and $650.

Marathon Petroleum is scheduled to report third-quarter results Nov. 3 before the market opens.