Stock markets declined following a higher-than-expected CPI inflation report. The article analyzes the Fidelity MSCI Materials Index ETF (FMAT), which tracks the Materials sector and carries a Zacks ETF Rank of 4 (Sell). The fund has delivered 7.19% year-to-date returns with a low expense ratio of 0.08%, but faces headwinds from sector weakness and inflation concerns.

SSR Mining has agreed to acquire Roxmore Resources and its Converse Gold Project, located near its Marigold Complex in Nevada. The project is expected to produce 150,000-170,000 ounces of gold annually starting in 2033, with a mine life exceeding 10 years. This acquisition will help SSRM achieve its target of 350,000-400,000 ounces of annual U.S. production through 2042, generating over $200 million in synergies.

The First Trust Materials AlphaDEX ETF (FXZ) is a passively managed fund providing broad exposure to the Materials sector with $372 million in assets. It has delivered 20.42% year-to-date returns and 27.69% over the past year, with a 0.64% expense ratio. The fund holds about 40 stocks with 85.9% allocation to Materials, led by holdings in Newmont Corporation, Anglogold Ashanti, and Coeur Mining. It carries a Zacks ETF Rank of 3 (Hold) and is considered a medium-risk option with a beta of 1.07.

Newmont Corporation (NEM) declined 1.33% to $115.59, underperforming the S&P 500's 0.02% loss. The stock has fallen 4.81% over the past month, significantly worse than the S&P 500's 2.05% gain, though the Basic Materials sector declined 5.62%. Upcoming Q3 earnings on October 22, 2026 are expected to show EPS of $1.92 (up 12.28% YoY) and revenue of $6.01 billion (up 8.8% YoY). NEM holds a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) with a Forward P/E of 12.95, trading at a premium to its industry average of 12.

Newmont Corporation (NEM), one of the world's largest gold producers, is highlighted as a potential growth stock pick. The company holds a #3 (Hold) Zacks Rank with a Grade A Growth Style Score, forecasting 31.4% year-over-year earnings growth for fiscal 2026. Three analysts revised earnings estimates higher in the last 60 days, with a consensus estimate of $9.05 per share and an average earnings surprise of +24.8%.

SSR Mining (SSRM) is advancing growth projects at its Puna operations in Argentina, including the Chinchillas laybacks, Melina, and Cortaderas projects to extend mine life. Despite lower first-half 2026 silver production of 3.4M ounces, the company expects 6.25-7M ounces in H2 2026 and maintains full-year guidance of 450,000-535,000 GEOs, representing 10% year-over-year improvement. However, inflationary pressures are pushing AISC toward the top of guidance at $20-$22 per ounce.

Newmont Corporation (NEM), a gold and copper miner, has declined 9.6% over the past month, underperforming the S&P 500. The company shows strong earnings growth expectations (+31.9% for current fiscal year) and revenue growth forecasts (+14.5% for current fiscal year), with a history of beating EPS estimates. However, it carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) rating, suggesting near-term performance in line with the broader market. The stock trades at a valuation discount to peers (Value Style Score: B).

Newmont Corporation (NEM), a gold and copper miner, has demonstrated a strong streak of beating earnings estimates, surpassing consensus by an average of 21.27% over the last two quarters. With a positive Earnings ESP of +6.16% and a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), the company is well-positioned for another earnings beat in its next quarterly report expected on October 22, 2026.

Newmont Corporation (NEM) closed at $115.34, down 1.49%, underperforming the S&P 500. The gold and copper miner is expected to report Q3 2026 earnings of $1.92 per share (up 12.28% YoY) with revenue of $6.06 billion (up 9.66% YoY). For the full year, consensus estimates project $9.09 EPS and $25.96 billion revenue. NEM holds a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) with a Forward P/E of 12.89, trading at a premium to its industry average of 12.35.

Alamos Gold's Island Gold District produced a record 67,500 ounces in Q2 2026, with total H1 production of 128,700 ounces. The expansion is on track to achieve 290,000-310,000 ounces in 2026 and lift annual production above 530,000 ounces for 10 years. However, AGI stock has underperformed its industry and currently holds a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell) rating with EPS estimates trending downward.

Barrick Mining Corporation leverages strong cash generation and a solid balance sheet to return significant value to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases. The company generated $1.7 billion in operating cash flows (up 28% YoY) and returned $1.5 billion to shareholders in Q2 2026. Peers Newmont Corporation and Agnico Eagle Mines also demonstrate robust capital return programs, with Newmont returning $1.9 billion since April 2026 and Agnico Eagle planning to return 40% of annual free cash flow.

COWZ is a smart beta ETF launched in 2016 that tracks companies with high free cash flow yields, offering 0.49% expense ratio and 2.03% dividend yield. With $18.65 billion in assets and 102 holdings, it returned 12.44% year-to-date and 18.92% over the past year. However, cheaper alternatives like SCHD (0.06% expense ratio) and VTV (0.03% expense ratio) offer lower-cost exposure to the large cap value segment.