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XLB ETF: Its Relevance to Increased Construction Activity

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–News Direct–

The United States has recently seen a resurgence in the construction industry. Investors aiming to benefit from this rise in construction activity may want to explore an exchange-traded fund (ETF), the Materials Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLB), which offers a snapshot of this bustling sector.

As of the latest reports, the XLB ETF's strategic holdings reflect its commitment to offering diverse exposure within this thriving industry.

Key Holdings Within XLB*

XLB encompasses a diverse portfolio of businesses operating in different domains, including chemicals, construction materials, packaging and containers, metals and mining, along with paper and forest products. There are currently 28 companies in the portfolio.

Leading the pack we have Linde PLC, a global leader in industrial gasses and engineering, at 21.45%. It is followed by Freeport-McMoRan Incorporated, a leading mining company, holding 7.19% of XLB.

Next we have Sherwin-Williams, which is renowned for their excellence in paints, coatings, and related products, at 7.08%. Following is Ecolab, a prominent player in the industrial sector, making a significant contribution to XLB at 5.76%. Finally, there is Air Products and Chemicals, another key player in industrial gasses and related equipment, with 5.27%.

This extensive coverage offers investors the opportunity to tap into numerous facets of the materials sector, proving advantageous during phases of economic expansion or heightened infrastructure investment. As the construction industry continues forward, XLB, with its 0.09% expense ratio**, remains well-positioned.

Increasing Demand for Building Materials

The steady demand for building materials has been a key factor in the growing relevance of XLB. As we continue to navigate the post-COVID-19 era, construction activities are on a significant rise, creating a surge in the need for raw materials.

Furthermore, the increasing focus on infrastructure development is adding fuel to this rising demand. The recent passage of the infrastructure bill opens up avenues for substantial investments in diverse fields such as transportation, broadband, and clean energy, thereby making XLB a potentially attractive investment option.

The Materials Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLB) provides diversified exposure to the thriving materials sector. With its current demand driven by ongoing construction projects and potential infrastructure expenditure, XLB emerges as a compelling choice for investors seeking to tap into these trends.

DISCLAIMER: This is a work of research and should not be taken as investment or financial advice. Therefore, Select Sector SPDRs or the publisher is not liable for any decision made based on the publication.

About the Company:

Select Sector SPDR ETFs offer flexibility and customization opportunities. Many investors have similar outlooks, but no two are exactly alike. Select Sector SPDR ETFs let investors select the sectors that best meet their investment goals.

*Holdings, Weightings & Assets as of 4/30/24 subject to change

**Ordinary brokerage fees apply

DISCLOSURES

The S&P 500 Index is an unmanaged index of 500 common stocks that is generally considered representative of the U.S. stock market. The index is heavily weighted toward stocks with large market capitalizations and represents approximately two-thirds of the total market value of all domestic common stocks. The S&P 500 Index figures do not reflect any fees, expenses or taxes. An investor should consider investment objectives, risks, fees and expenses before investing.

One may not invest directly in an index.

Transparent ETFs provide daily disclosure of portfolio holdings and weightings

All ETFs are subject to risk, including loss of principal. Sector ETF products are also subject to sector risk and non-diversification risk, which generally will result in greater price fluctuations than the overall market. Diversification does not eliminate risk.

An investor should consider investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing. To obtain a prospectus, which contains this and other information, call 1-866-SECTOR-ETF (732-8673) or visit www.sectorspdrs.com. Read the prospectus carefully before investing.

ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc., a registered broker-dealer, is distributor for the Select Sector SPDR Trust.

Media Contact:

Company: Select Sector SPDRs

Contact: Dan Dolan*

Address: 1290 Broadway, Suite 1000, Denver, CO 80203

Country: United States

Email: dan.dolan@sectorspdrs.com

Website: https://www.sectorspdrs.com/

*Dan Dolan is a Registered Representative of ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc. ALPS Portfolio Solutions Distributor, Inc., a registered broker-dealer, is the distributor for the Select Sector SPDR Trust.

SEL007537 EXP 7/31/24

Contact Details

Dan Dolan

+1 203-935-8103

dan.dolan@sectorspdrs.com

Company Website

https://www.sectorspdrs.com/

View source version on newsdirect.com: https://newsdirect.com/news/xlb-etf-its-relevance-to-increased-construction-activity-772310290

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Press Release

Tennessee Candidate Writes Book About the Dangers of the Reserve Currency

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Knoxville, Tennessee, 31st October 2025, ZEX PR WIRE, Elliott Schuchardt, a candidate for the Tennessee General Assembly, has published a book which argues that the U.S. dollar could pose a threat to the citizens of Tennessee.

The book, entitled America’s Achilles Heel:  How to Protect Your Family When America Loses the Reserve Currency, argues that the United States needs to devalue the U.S. dollar against other major currencies.

Schuchardt argues that the dollar is artificially overvalued, because the United States has a near-monopoly on the sale of oil, for only U.S. dollars.  In other words, most countries on the planet will sell oil only for dollars.  Schuchardt argues that the value of the dollar could collapse, if the Middle East were to sell oil for a currency other than the dollar. He says that this is a foreseeable risk, given the efforts of China and Russia to establish new international payment methods.

According to Schuchardt, if the value of the dollar were to fall 50%, then the price of goods imported to the United States could double, in dollar terms.  If the dollar were to fall 80% against other major currencies, then the price of imported goods could increase by five times, or 500%.  In other words, the cost of an imported television could increase from $300 to $1,500, relatively quickly.

Schuchardt warns that this could be a problem if the price of gasoline were to double or triple overnight.  “The United States would have a difficult time dealing with gasoline priced at $8 or $10 a gallon,” says Schuchardt.  We need to deal with this possibility.

Schuchardt’s book is available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.  It is also available in an audio version on Amazon’s Audible platform, read by the author.

Elliott J. Schuchardt is a candidate for the Tennessee General Assembly in the 2026 election.  Schuchardt studied politics at Cornell University and Oxford University.  He is also a graduate of Columbia Law School.  Prior to entering politics, Schuchardt focused his legal practice on civil liberties issues in the courts.

CONTACT:

Elliott J. Schuchardt

2322 Jockey Run Trail

Knoxville, TN 37920

Call or Text: (865) 304-4374

Website:  www.elliott-author.com

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Press Release

Dr. Jennifer Robinson Advocates for Accessible and Compassionate Mental Health Care

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Detroit, MI, 31st October 2025, ZEX PR WIRE– Board-certified psychiatrist Dr. Jennifer Robinson, founder of Integral Psychiatric and Recovery Services, is calling for greater awareness and early intervention in mental health care. Drawing from insights in her recent interview “Redefining Success in Psychiatry and Life,” Dr. Robinson highlights the urgent need to make mental health treatment more accessible and human-centred—especially for individuals facing depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders.

“Success in psychiatry isn’t just about medication or diagnosis,” said Dr. Robinson. “It’s about connection—helping people feel seen, understood, and supported. Healing starts long before the prescription pad comes out.”

The Growing Mental Health Challenge

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, one in five U.S. adults experiences mental illness each year, and nearly half never receive treatment. In Detroit and similar urban communities, access remains a significant barrier, with provider shortages and socioeconomic challenges amplifying the problem.

A 2023 report from the Kaiser Family Foundation found that 61% of U.S. counties—most of them rural or low-income—lack adequate mental health professionals. For Dr. Robinson, these statistics are more than numbers—they represent real people left without care.

“I’ve seen patients wait months for appointments or travel hours for therapy,” she said. “No one should have to choose between their mental health and their job, their childcare, or their safety. That’s why accessible care matters.”

Through her online practice, Dr. Robinson has made it her mission to remove barriers by offering virtual consultations that meet patients where they are—literally. But her advocacy goes beyond technology. It’s about rethinking how communities view mental health and encouraging early, compassionate engagement.

The Power of Early Support

Dr. Robinson stresses that early intervention is key. The World Health Organization reports that half of all mental health conditions begin by age 14, yet most go undetected and untreated. Early signs—changes in mood, sleep, focus, or behaviour—are often dismissed as stress or personality quirks until they become crises.

“Mental illness doesn’t appear overnight,” Dr. Robinson explained. “There are always warning signs. The earlier we respond, the better the outcomes—not just for individuals, but for families and communities.”

She emphasises that success in treatment requires partnership, not just between patient and doctor, but across the community. Teachers, parents, and employers all play a role in recognising and responding to mental health needs early on.

Breaking the Stigma Around Psychiatry

Dr. Robinson also wants to dismantle the lingering stigma that keeps many from seeking help—particularly within minority and faith-based communities.

“As a Black woman from Detroit, I understand the cultural hesitation that still exists around mental health,” she said. “People fear being judged or seen as weak. But seeking help is strength—it’s self-awareness, not failure.”

She integrates empathy and faith into her practice and community work, volunteering through Pure Word Missionary Baptist Church, where she helps organise outreach programmes providing food, clothing, and emotional support to Detroit families.

“You can’t separate mental health from the human experience,” she added. “Faith, family, and community all shape our wellbeing. The more we talk about it openly, the more healing we’ll see.”

A Call to Action: What Individuals Can Do Now

Dr. Robinson believes everyone—not just clinicians—can help shift the mental health landscape. She encourages small, practical steps that build awareness, compassion, and resilience.

Here’s how you can make a difference today:

  1. Check in on someone. A simple “How are you, really?” can start a powerful conversation.

  2. Normalise therapy. Talk openly about mental health care as you would about physical health.

  3. Learn the signs. Persistent sadness, irritability, isolation, or changes in sleep and appetite are red flags worth attention.

  4. Support local resources. Donate, volunteer, or share information about community clinics and crisis lines.

  5. Model balance. Show others—especially children—that rest, boundaries, and vulnerability are healthy, not indulgent.

“We can’t solve the mental health crisis overnight,” Dr. Robinson said. “But we can each create pockets of care—in our homes, workplaces, and communities. Change begins when compassion becomes habit.”

About Dr. Jennifer Robinson

Dr. Jennifer Robinson is a board-certified psychiatrist based in Detroit, Michigan, and the founder of Integral Psychiatric and Recovery Services, an online mental health clinic providing accessible, patient-centred care. She specialises in the treatment of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and substance use disorders. A graduate of Bowling Green State University and Wayne State University School of Medicine, Dr. Robinson has built a reputation for her empathetic, holistic approach that integrates clinical science with human connection.

Take the Next Step

Dr. Robinson invites individuals, families, and community leaders to take small steps toward awareness and understanding.

“Every act of empathy is a form of prevention,” she concluded. “When we lead with compassion—whether at home or in our communities—we create a world where healing is possible for everyone.”

To learn more or access mental health resources, visit www.integralpsychiatric.com or follow Dr. Robinson’s work on community outreach through Pure Word Missionary Baptist Church.

To read the full article, click here.

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Press Release

New Partnership Brings Free ATM Placement to Dispensaries Nationwide

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Greenstar ATM expands turnkey payment solutions with a program designed to increase customer convenience, boost spending, and drive shared revenue.

San Francisco, CA, 31st October 2025, ZEX PR WIRECannabis dispensaries across the U.S. continue to face significant challenges when it comes to providing secure, compliant, and convenient payment options. To address this, Greenstar ATM has announced a new strategic partnership that will deliver free, fully maintained ATM machines to dispensaries nationwide, with no upfront costs or long-term financial commitments.

Through this initiative, dispensary owners can gain instant access to a turnkey ATM placement service, enabling customers to withdraw cash on-site, increasing purchasing power and average transaction values. The program also provides retailers with optional revenue-sharing opportunities, allowing them to participate in ATM fee profits without the burden of installation or maintenance expenses.

“Our mission has always been to simplify financial services for cannabis retailers,” said the spokesperson for Greenstar ATM. “This partnership strengthens that mission by eliminating the barriers to ATM access. Dispensaries can now offer customers reliable cash access at no cost, while benefiting from increased sales and potential profit-sharing. It’s a true win-win for operators and consumers alike.”

As part of the program, Greenstar ATM manages the full lifecycle of each machine, including installation, vaulting, 24/7 service, and repairs, ensuring maximum uptime and security. By removing the logistical and financial burdens, dispensaries are free to focus on running their businesses, confident that their customers will always have access to cash when needed.

The benefits extend beyond convenience. Research consistently shows that customers with cash in hand are more likely to spend more per visit, particularly in retail environments like cannabis dispensaries where card options remain limited. By increasing both access and ease of payment, Greenstar ATM’s free placement program gives retailers a competitive edge in a growing marketplace.

This partnership reflects Greenstar ATM’s broader mission to be the go-to provider of financial and payment solutions for cannabis dispensaries. From cashless ATMs and point-of-banking (POB) systems to merchant services and compliant banking support, the company continues to lead with innovative, operator-friendly solutions designed specifically for the cannabis industry.

About Greenstar ATM

Greenstar ATM is a trusted partner for cannabis dispensaries nationwide, specializing in cashless ATMs, point-of-banking (POB) solutions, merchant services, and ATM placement. With a focus on compliance, security, and customer convenience, Greenstar ATM helps retailers overcome the challenges of limited banking access while driving growth through innovative, reliable payment solutions.

Contact Information

Website: https://www.greenstaratm.com/

Phone: (833) 420-2867

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