Through early trading on Tuesday, September 27, 2011, these stocks are helping the Basic Materials (NYSE:XLB) sector today. Long time Wall St. Cheat Sheet readers know to watch stock prices because Technicals on the Stock Chart are Strong’ is one of the ‘T’s in our CHEAT SHEET investing framework.

Dow Chemical Co. (NYSE:DOW) is among the sector price gainers, as its shares are trading at $26.16, up $1.65 (+6.7%) from the previous close of $24.51. Dow Chemical produces chemicals, plastic materials, agricultural, advanced materials, and other products and services, including insurance.

Stock Price Performance: From June 29, 2011, to September 23, 2011, the stock price had fallen $12.26 (-34.3%) from $35.79 to $23.53. The stock price saw one of its best stretches over the last year between January 28, 2011 and February 8, 2011 when shares rose for eight straight trading days, rising 8.2% (+$2.85). It saw one of its worst periods between March 8, 2011 and March 16, 2011 when shares fell for seven straight trading days, falling 8.2% (-$3.10).

Allegheny Technologies Incorporated (NYSE:ATI) is among the top price gainers in the sector. Its shares are trading at $42.92, up $4.15 (+10.7%) from the previous close of $38.77. Allegheny Technologies is a global producer of specialty metals. Through its innovative technologies, the company offers a wide range of specialty metals solutions and products, which include titanium and titanium alloys, nickel-based and superalloys, etc.

Stock Price Performance: From June 29, 2011, to September 23, 2011, the stock price had fallen $26.61 (-41.5%) from $64.05 to $37.44. The stock price saw one of its best stretches over the last year between April 18, 2011 and April 27, 2011 when shares rose for seven straight trading days, rising 10.7% (+$6.99). It saw one of its worst periods between July 21, 2011 and August 2, 2011 when shares fell for nine straight trading days, falling 19.7% (-$12.97).

Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co. (NYSE:RS) is among the sector price gainers, as its shares are trading at $38.16, up $2.75 (+7.8%) from the previous close of $35.41. Reliance Steel and Aluminum provides metals processing services and distributes a full line of more than 100,000 metal products, including alloy, aluminum, brass, copper, carbon steel, stainless steel, and titanium.

Stock Price Performance: From June 30, 2011, to September 26, 2011, the stock price had fallen $14.09 (-28.5%) from $49.50 to $35.41. The stock price saw one of its best stretches over the last year between March 18, 2011 and March 30, 2011 when shares rose for nine straight trading days, rising 11.8% (+$6.12). It saw one of its worst periods between July 22, 2011 and August 8, 2011 when shares fell for 12 straight trading days, falling 26.1% (-$13.10).

Carpenter Technology Corp (NYSE:CRS) is among the top price gainers in the sector. Its shares are trading at $50.95, up $3.10 (+6.5%) from the previous close of $47.85. Carpenter Technology is engaged in the manufacturing, fabrication, and distribution of specialty metals. It is organized in two reportable business segments: Advanced Metals Operations and Premium Alloys Operations.

Stock Price Performance: From June 29, 2011, to September 23, 2011, the stock price had fallen $10.44 (-18.5%) from $56.31 to $45.87. The stock price saw one of its best stretches over the last year between April 18, 2011 and April 29, 2011 when shares rose for nine straight trading days, rising 24% (+$9.89). It saw one of its worst periods between July 5, 2011 and July 14, 2011 when shares fell for eight straight trading days, falling 6.3% (-$3.67).

Carlisle Companies Inc (NYSE:CSL) is among the sector price gainers, as its shares are trading at $33.59, up $1.88 (+5.9%) from the previous close of $31.72. Carlisle Companies manufacture and distribute a variety of products across a range of industries, including, among others, roofing, construction, trucking, foodservice, industrial equipment, outdoor power equipment, and aircraft manufacturing.

Stock Price Performance: From June 30, 2011, to September 26, 2011, the stock price had fallen $17.27 (-35.3%) from $48.99 to $31.72. The stock price saw one of its best stretches over the last year between March 23, 2011 and April 5, 2011 when shares rose for 10 straight trading days, rising 7.8% (+$3.29). It saw one of its worst periods between April 5, 2011 and April 18, 2011 when shares fell for 10 straight trading days, falling 8% (-$3.66).

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