3 ETFs Quietly Rallying Through Market Uncertainty

LIT, SCHD and PDBC have been quietly outperforming the broader market amid global supply chain disruptions.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 11:45am

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An extreme close-up of gears, levers, and other heavy industrial machinery, conveying the tangible, physical nature of banking and finance in a conceptual, non-literal way.As global supply chains face ongoing disruptions, investors are turning to ETFs anchored in physical commodities and tangible assets.Chicago Today

While the S&P 500 has stumbled roughly 6% year-to-date, a handful of ETFs are posting strong gains with little fanfare. The Global X Lithium & Battery Tech ETF (LIT), Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD), and Invesco Optimum Yield Diversified Commodity Strategy ETF (PDBC) have all considerably outperformed the market this year, driven by factors like the Iran conflict, renewed focus on critical mineral supply chains, and a broad-based commodity boom.

Why it matters

These three ETFs represent a reorientation of market leadership away from intangible, high-multiple growth stocks towards tangible real assets and commodities. As energy costs spike, discount rates rise, and investors price in persistent supply chain disruptions, funds anchored in physical scarcity are gaining favor over businesses reliant on digital abundance.

The details

LIT is benefiting from accelerated battery adoption and commodity constraints, SCHD is providing defensive positioning with its exposure to energy, consumer staples and healthcare, and PDBC is capitalizing on the broad-based commodity rally, particularly in energy. All three funds have seen significant inflows as investors seek exposure to these themes.

  • The Iran conflict that erupted in late February has reshaped the investment landscape.
  • LIT has been rallying since the start of the year, nearing the upper bound of a two-month consolidation.
  • SCHD just completed its annual March reconstitution, adjusting its portfolio composition.
  • PDBC has attracted over $400 million in net inflows over the past three months.

The players

Global X Lithium & Battery Tech ETF (LIT)

An ETF that tracks the Solactive Global Lithium Index, investing across the lithium value chain from miners to battery manufacturers.

Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD)

An ETF that tracks the Dow Jones US Dividend 100 Index, providing exposure to blue-chip dividend payers in sectors like energy, consumer staples, and healthcare.

Invesco Optimum Yield Diversified Commodity Strategy ETF (PDBC)

An actively managed ETF that invests in futures contracts across 14 heavily traded commodities, using an 'optimum yield' strategy to mitigate roll-yield drag.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

These three ETFs represent a shift in market leadership towards real assets and tangible commodities, as investors seek exposure to sectors that can weather persistent supply chain disruptions and rising energy costs.