This hasn't been a great year for big lithium stocks, but the major producers finally turned in a solid performance last month.
Shares of Sociedad Quimica y Minera (NYSE: SQM) led the pack with an increase of 12.7%, according to data provided by S&P Global market Intelligence. That was followed closely by a 12.6% rise in shares of Albemarle (NYSE: ALB). And although shares of Livent (NYSE: LTHM) rose only 8.9% in September, they've gained over 10% since the start of last month when the first few days of October are factored in.
The leaps appear to be a small correction, especially considering the pounding lithium stocks have taken in the last year or so as investors fret over the sustainability of the industry's expansion plans. Once considered solid growth stocks, SQM, Albemarle, and Livent have fallen 29%, 13%, and 51%, respectively, since the beginning of 2019. There are both risks and opportunities for investors at their current prices.