Goldman Sachs, Caterpillar Lead DIA ETF Gains In Dow's Strongest Session In A Year

The Dow Jones Industrial Average posted its strongest daily performance in a year on Wednesday, surging more than 1,300 points, or 2.8%, as easing geopolitical tensions sparked a broad-based rally across equities.

The move rekindled investor appetite for sectors most sensitive to lower oil prices, including technology, industrials, construction, and consumer discretionary.

SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF (NYSE:DIA), which tracks the Dow Jones Index, mirrored the rally. With $43 billion in assets under management, the fund trades an average of more than 7 million shares daily and has an expense ratio of 0.16%

While most of the stocks in the fund's portfolio have gained sharply, the following five led the gains.

Sherwin-Williams Co.

Falling input costs, especially oil-linked chemicals, will benefit the paint and coatings giant. The Sherwin-Williams Co. (NYSE:SHW) has seen a negative target price revision in recent weeks. An analyst at Citigroup Inc. (NYSE:C) slashed the target price on SHW to $385 from $410, citing higher oil prices and supply disruptions that have made key raw materials used in coatings expensive.

Earlier, on March 19, RBC Capital also lowered its target price on the stock to $376 from $390, indicating the company's end markets still appear choppy. Both analysts maintained Buy-equivalent ratings

Caterpillar

Shares of Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE:CAT) surged as easing concerns over prolonged energy disruptions sparked a rotation into the infrastructure and industrial sector. Caterpillar appointed a new CFO, Kyle Epley, effective May 1, 2026. The current CFO, Andrew Bonfield, is retiring effective Oct. 1, 2026, following eight years with the company. Caterpillar is the second-largest holding in the DIA portfolio

The Home Depot

Home Depot Inc. (NYSE:HD) rode expectations of stronger consumer spending and housing-related activity. With the Iran ceasefire, markets have shifted back towards a potential Fed rate cut this year that would spur home sales and big-ticket renovations. Lower oil prices would ease inflation pressures, potentially boosting discretionary spending on home improvement projects.

Goldman Sachs

The ceasefire has eased concerns about prolonged economic disruption and tighter credit conditions. A sharp rebound in equities would boost trading activity, revive deal-making pipelines, and boost asset valuations for the company. Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS) is set to report earnings for its first quarter before the opening bell on Monday, April 13. Goldman is the largest holding in the DIA ETF.

Walmart

Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT) gained amid sector rotation and more spending power expectations. The CFO and Executive Vice President John David Rainey told investors at JPMorgan's 12th Annual Retail Roundup that the retailer's long-term strategy remains intact despite a volatile backdrop that has included tariffs, war-related uncertainty, and shifting energy prices. Walmart accounts for about 1.6% share in DIA ETF.

Benzinga Edge Stock Rankings indicate that the DIA ETF has a Momentum score in the 45th percentile. It maintains a weak price trend in the short and medium term, while maintaining a strong trend in the long term.

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