Investors focused on the Basic Materials space have likely heard of VALE (VALE Quick QuoteVALE - Free Report) , but is the stock performing well in comparison to the rest of its sector peers? One simple way to answer this question is to take a look at the year-to-date performance of VALE and the rest of the Basic Materials group's stocks.

VALE is one of 239 companies in the Basic Materials group. The Basic Materials group currently sits at #14 within the Zacks Sector Rank. The Zacks Sector Rank considers 16 different groups, measuring the average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks within the sector to gauge the strength of each group.

The Zacks Rank is a proven system that emphasizes earnings estimates and estimate revisions, highlighting a variety of stocks that are displaying the right characteristics to beat the market over the next one to three months. VALE is currently sporting a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy).

Over the past 90 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for VALE's full-year earnings has moved 5.07% higher. This is a sign of improving analyst sentiment and a positive earnings outlook trend.

Based on the most recent data, VALE has returned 6.30% so far this year. In comparison, Basic Materials companies have returned an average of -6.45%. This shows that VALE is outperforming its peers so far this year.

To break things down more, VALE belongs to the Mining - Iron industry, a group that includes 4 individual companies and currently sits at #23 in the Zacks Industry Rank. This group has gained an average of 10.11% so far this year, so VALE is slightly underperforming its industry in this area.

Investors with an interest in Basic Materials stocks should continue to track VALE. The stock will be looking to continue its solid performance.