Noticed Loop Industries (LOOP) has been quietly outperforming the broader Basic Materials sector this year. The stock is up around 31.5% year-to-date, while the sector average sits closer to 22%, so there's a meaningful gap there.

What's interesting about Loop Industries is that the meaning of loop - essentially their business model around circular economy and material recycling - seems to be resonating with investors right now. Analysts have been raising earnings estimates too, which usually signals confidence in where the company is headed.

Methanex (MEOH) is another one worth watching in the same space - it's actually ahead with a 34.2% return YTD. Both stocks have solid analyst backing and improving outlooks, so if you're looking at Basic Materials plays, these two are definitely worth keeping on your radar. The specialty chemicals sector has been moving slower than these individual names, which makes the outperformance even more notable.