During trading today, the Basic Materials sector (XLB) showed little change while the S&P 500 fell 0.2%.

As a proxy for the sector, the ETF tracked closer to the overall market today than over the past month. As trading began today, XLB was down 8.3% over the last thirty trading days, and the S&P 500 climbed -6.6%.

Gevo (GEVO) was a significant gainer in the sector, rising 10.2%. The stock closed at $6.07 with 291,497 shares moving. The stock traded in a range of $5.43 to $6.37.

Cliffs Natural Resources (CLF) was a major loser in the sector. Its price dropped 6.1% (-$3.10) to close at $47.78, as 6.8 million shares moved. The stock traded in a range of $47.06 to $50.10. The stock is down over the last two months, having fallen $23.10 (-32.6%) from a price of $70.88 on April 2, 2012.

Compania de Minas Buenaventura (BVN) rose 2% to close at $39.14, cross its 50-day moving average of $39.10 and 200-day moving average of $40.07. Polypore International (PPO) declined 2.7% to close at $36.99, moving below its 50-day moving average of $37.33 and 200-day moving average of $42.69.

A M Castle and (CAS) rose 4.1% to close at $10.97, approaching its 50-day moving average of $12.12. It has also moved closer to its 200-day moving average of $11.71. NewMarket Corporation (SIAL) fell 3.2% to close at $208.81, moving closer to its 50-day moving average of $207.21. Also, the stock moved closer to its 200-day moving average of $68.87.