The FIN Fastener Stock Index rose 8.4% in the opening quarter of 2026, besting a 4% decline by an index of related industrial stocks.

Specialty alloys supplier Carpenter Technology achieved the highest gain, climbing 23.3% in Q1. Analysts say CarTech is positioned for strong growth, boosted by demand for next-gen metallurgy for warfighters, as well as strong commercial airplane build rates and MRO activity.

Other fastener companies with double-digit gains included Fastenal (up 15.6%); Howmet Aerospace (up 12.5%); and MSC Industrial (up 9.7%).

FINdex companies losing double-digit value during Q1 included Chicago Rivet (down 28%) and Dorman Products (down 15%).

For 2025, the FINdex gained 11.8%, bested by a 15.9% gain from an index of related industrial stocks.