Most investors remain heavily focused on technology and artificial intelligence (AI) stocks, but other sectors are delivering stronger returns this year.

The energy group has experienced significant growth recently.

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The State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (NYSEMKT: XLE) is up 32% since the end of last year, compared to the S&P 500's gain of 10%.

In the same time frame, the Vanguard Information Technology ETF's (NYSEMKT: VGT) advance recorded just under 20%.

Energy Sector Boosted by Geopolitical Conflict

Part of the energy sector's sizable gain stems from the military conflict in Iran, which disrupted oil supply chains.

The geopolitical conflict pushed crude's price up from $67 per barrel since its beginning in early March to over $100 per barrel.

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Oil stocks performed well even before this tension materialized, with most year-to-date gains occurring before March.

With the Strait of Hormuz essentially closed, the International Energy Agency predicts an average global production and supply deficit of 1.78 million barrels per day for the entirety of 2026.

This reverses the full-year surplus projected every month for the prior 12 months.

Once the conflict ends, the supply and demand imbalance will take months to sort itself out.

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President Trump's recent meeting with China's president Xi Jinping did not change anything for the energy industry either.

Basic Materials Driven by Gold Surges

The same Middle East turmoil affecting the energy industry indirectly crimps the supply of other materials and commodities.

The bulk of the State Street Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF's (NYSEMKT: XLB) 14% gain this year is being driven by gold and gold-mining stocks.

Gold prices are up about 5% year to date.

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This follows a 60% gain last year and a nearly 30% advance in 2024, making the measurable gains of any degree impressive.