Dow Inc. exited Q2 with $14 billion in liquidity and generated $1.3 billion in operating cash flow. The company returned $253 million to shareholders through dividends in Q2, with a long-term target of returning 65% of operating net income. Dow has no substantial debt maturities until 2029, supporting financial flexibility. The stock has gained 24.6% over the past year and trades at a forward P/S ratio of 0.48, below industry average.

Cabot Corporation reported Q3 fiscal 2026 adjusted EPS of $1.67, beating consensus estimates, with revenues of $982 million exceeding expectations. Performance Chemicals showed strength with higher volumes and margins, while Reinforcement Materials faced pressure from lower gross profit per ton. The company tightened full-year guidance to $6.15-$6.45 EPS and is expanding battery materials capacity. Estimate revisions have trended upward, though the stock carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) rating.

The global acetic acid market is projected to grow from $18.57 billion in 2025 to $34.96 billion by 2035 at a CAGR of 6.52%. Growth is driven by rising demand for vinyl acetate monomer (VAM) in adhesives and coatings, and expanding polyester and PET resin production. The U.S. market is expected to reach $6.73 billion by 2035, while Europe is projected to grow to $4.95 billion. Asia Pacific dominates with 54.6% market share, led by China's integrated manufacturing capabilities.

The global ethylene market, valued at USD 187.35 billion in 2025, is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.99% to reach USD 332.61 billion by 2035. Growth is driven by increased demand from packaging, automotive, construction, and petrochemical sectors, with polyethylene dominating as the largest derivative segment at 55.41% market share. Asia-Pacific leads regional revenue with 52.12% share, while North America benefits from abundant shale gas resources.

The global resin market is projected to grow from USD 667.16 billion in 2025 to USD 1.14 trillion by 2035, with a CAGR of 5.06%. Growth is driven by advancements in resin technology and expanding applications in aerospace, electronics, and medical devices. Polyethylene currently dominates, while polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is expected to grow rapidly. Asia leads in market share, particularly China and India.

LyondellBasell Industries (NYSE: LYB) announced a quarterly dividend of $0.69 per share to be paid on June 8, 2026, with an ex-dividend date of June 1, 2026.

The global antifog additives market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.06% from USD 509.55 million in 2026 to USD 651.74 million by 2031, driven by rising demand from vertical farming, recyclable mono-material packaging, and stricter regulatory standards. Asia-Pacific leads market growth, while innovations in bio-based materials and advanced delivery technologies intensify competition.

Large-cap stocks experienced broad selling pressure during the week of April 13-17, 2026, with ten major companies declining significantly. Venture Global fell 14.09% following a JP Morgan downgrade, Alcoa dropped 10.23% on weak Q1 results and asset sale news, and LyondellBasell slumped 13.93%. Other notable decliners included Dow Inc. (11.08%), Equinor (10.86%), APA Corporation (9.8%), and CNH Industrial (7.99%), driven by factors ranging from leadership changes to tariff-related supply chain concerns.

U.S. stock markets surged to all-time highs on Friday following Iran's announcement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz for commercial vessels. Crude oil prices crashed over 10%, easing stagflation concerns. The S&P 500, Nasdaq 100, and Russell 2000 all hit record highs, with the Nasdaq extending its winning streak to 13 sessions. Airlines and travel stocks rallied on lower fuel costs, while energy and chemical stocks declined sharply due to plummeting oil prices.

Old North State Wealth Management completely exited its FMC Corporation position by selling 295,829 shares worth approximately $4.42 million in Q1 2026. The exit signals diminishing confidence in the company's recovery prospects, as FMC faces significant challenges including an 18% revenue decline, a $2.24 billion net loss, and further projected revenue declines for 2026. The stock has fallen 50% over the past year while underperforming the S&P 500.

Iran's Foreign Minister announced the Strait of Hormuz is fully open to all commercial vessels during the ceasefire, causing crude oil to plunge 14% to $81/barrel. Airlines and cruise lines surged as fuel costs declined, while energy and chemical companies fell sharply. The S&P 500 reached record highs with the Nasdaq 100 on its 13th consecutive gaining session.

Energy sector stocks have emerged as unexpected S&P 500 outperformers in 2026, driven by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Valero Energy, LyondellBasell, and APA Corporation have gained 44%, 66%, and 60% respectively year-to-date, benefiting from disrupted oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz. Recent pullbacks following ceasefire announcements may present entry opportunities for investors.