BATT Charges Ahead as Storage Steals the Spotlight

By comparison, the more pure-play mining-focused entrants are trailing BATT’s diversified approach. For example, the iShares Lithium Miners and Producers ETF (ILIT A-) is up 9.7%. Meanwhile, the Sprott Lithium Miners ETF (LITP A) has gained 4.65% and the Themes Lithium & Battery Metal Miners ETF (LIMI ) is seeing a modest 3.77% rise.

BATT’s strong start to 2026 may be attributed to its total ecosystem approach, which captures broader industrial drivers that are currently outperforming pure-play mining. The $117 million fund, which charges 0.59%, provides exposure across the battery value chain — from diversified miners to cell manufacturers and grid storage leaders.

While LIT remains heavily concentrated in the lithium mining and refining cycle, BATT is benefiting from several distinct performance drivers including:

Unlike the pure-play lithium funds, BATT’s index includes significant weights in copper and nickel. Copper prices hit new highs in early 2026 due to AI-driven grid modernization. BATT’s exposure to diversified giants like BHP and Freeport-McMoRan has provided a steady tailwind that pure lithium funds (like LITP and LIMI) lack.

The official launch of Project Vault, a $12 billion U.S. strategic mineral reserve, has provided a massive valuation floor for the sector. By acting as a buyer of last resort for battery metals, the U.S. government has effectively de-risked Western supply chains. That fueled a rally in the domestic and “Free Trade” miners that BATT favors.

The explosion of AI data centers has created a massive need for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). Companies in BATT’s portfolio, such as Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL) are reporting record shipments for stationary storage, which is currently growing at a faster pace than the automotive segment.

As of mid-February 2026, the following holdings have been among the largest contributors to BATT’s gain:

BHP Group Ltd. (BHP) — 7.62% weight. The world’s largest miner has benefited from a rise in nickel prices and steady demand for copper, positioning it as a foundational winner in the electrification trade.

Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL) — 5.71% weight. The battery titan continues to dominate the LFP (lithium iron phosphate) market, which has become the preferred chemistry for the surging utility-scale storage sector.

Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (FCX) — 4.77% weight. Tesla’s “Megapack” business has become a major margin driver in 2026, helping the stock decouple from broader EV price wars and contribute to BATT’s performance.

BYD Co. Ltd. (BYD) — 4.17% weight. BYD’s vertical integration — owning everything from the lithium mines to the battery cells — has allowed it to maintain high margins while competitors struggle with fluctuating raw material costs.

The stationary storage story stands out as the major performance driver of 2026. Yes, the EV market remains competitive. However, the massive shift toward grid-scale batteries is providing a second growth narrative that resonates with institutional investors.

At the same time, diversified mining is proving to be a safer bet than pure-play lithium. By including copper and nickel leaders, BATT has been able to generate double-digit gains even during periods of lithium price volatility.

Finally, the impact of U.S. industrial policy cannot be overstated. With Project Vault and new tax rebate adjustments in China front-loading global demand, the battery arms race is entering its most active phase yet. For now, a diversified approach to battery technology is setting the pace for the natural resources sector.

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