3 Rare Earth Stocks to Watch in 2026 as the Sector Heats Up

Industry Overview - The U.S. rare earth industry is gaining strategic and economic importance as the country aims to reduce dependence on China-controlled supply chains [1] - Rare earth elements are central to new federal policies, industrial investments, and domestic production initiatives to secure a resilient supply [1][3] - Rare earths are classified as critical minerals, reflecting significant economic and national security risks from supply disruptions, especially for defense and advanced technologies [3] Government Initiatives - The federal government has launched funding and policy initiatives to develop a domestic "mine-to-magnet" supply chain, including support for extraction and processing from unconventional sources [4][5] - Fiscal and tax incentives, such as enhanced tax credits for domestic production, are designed to support investment in upstream and downstream processing infrastructure [5] - International initiatives, like a rare earth supply cooperation agreement with Japan, aim to diversify sources and build resilient markets beyond China's influence [5][6] Company Developments - American Resources Corporation (AREC) is advancing ReElement refining to produce high-purity rare earth oxides from recycled feedstocks, targeting production in the low thousands of metric tons per year [10][11] - MP Materials operates the only large-scale integrated rare-earth operation in the U.S. and is expanding NdPr oxide output and downstream magnet manufacturing [13][14] - USA Rare Earth is developing a rare earth magnet facility in Oklahoma and controls the Round Top deposit in Texas, focusing on heavy rare earths like dysprosium and terbium [16][17] Financial Performance - AREC's current-year loss estimate is 34 cents per share, with a 35% year-over-year increase, and the stock gained 153.6% in the past six months [12] - MP Materials has a current fiscal-year loss estimate of 22 cents per share, with a stock increase of 47.6% in the past six months [15] - USA Rare Earth's current fiscal-year earnings estimate is 71 cents per share, indicating a 6% year-over-year increase, with a stock rise of 10.5% in the past six months [18]