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Utilities Select Sector SPDR® Fund (XLU)



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Upturn Advisory Summary
08/12/2025: XLU (2-star) has a low Upturn Star Rating. Not recommended to BUY.
Analysis of Past Performance
Type ETF | Historic Profit 5.17% | Avg. Invested days 40 | Today’s Advisory Consider higher Upturn Star rating |
Upturn Star Rating ![]() ![]() | Upturn Advisory Performance ![]() | ETF Returns Performance ![]() |
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Key Highlights
Volume (30-day avg) - | Beta 0.71 | 52 Weeks Range 65.78 - 82.60 | Updated Date 06/29/2025 |
52 Weeks Range 65.78 - 82.60 | Updated Date 06/29/2025 |
Upturn AI SWOT
Utilities Select Sector SPDR® Fund
ETF Overview
Overview
The Utilities Select Sector SPDRu00ae Fund (XLU) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the Utilities Select Sector Index. It invests in companies from the utilities sector.
Reputation and Reliability
State Street SPDR ETFs are a reputable and reliable issuer with a long track record in the ETF market.
Management Expertise
State Street has a team of experienced professionals managing their ETFs.
Investment Objective
Goal
To provide investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the Utilities Select Sector Index.
Investment Approach and Strategy
Strategy: XLU aims to track the Utilities Select Sector Index.
Composition The ETF holds stocks of companies in the utilities sector, including electric utilities, gas utilities, and water utilities.
Market Position
Market Share: XLU holds a significant market share within the utilities sector ETF space.
Total Net Assets (AUM): 12820000000
Competitors
Key Competitors
- VPU
- IYZ
- FXU
Competitive Landscape
The utilities sector ETF market is moderately competitive. XLU benefits from first-mover advantage and high AUM, resulting in tighter spreads. However, VPU offers a similar exposure at a slightly lower expense ratio, presenting a compelling alternative. IYZ and FXU are less popular.
Financial Performance
Historical Performance: Historical performance data should be obtained from financial data providers for various time periods (e.g., 1-year, 3-year, 5-year, 10-year).
Benchmark Comparison: Compare XLU's performance to the Utilities Select Sector Index to assess tracking effectiveness.
Expense Ratio: 0.1
Liquidity
Average Trading Volume
XLU exhibits strong liquidity, demonstrated by its high average trading volume, making it easy for investors to buy and sell shares.
Bid-Ask Spread
The bid-ask spread for XLU is generally tight, reflecting its high liquidity and reducing transaction costs for investors.
Market Dynamics
Market Environment Factors
Economic indicators, interest rate movements, regulatory changes, and infrastructure spending can significantly impact the utilities sector and XLU's performance.
Growth Trajectory
XLU's growth trajectory is dependent on the stability and growth of the utilities sector, influenced by factors like population growth, energy demand, and technological advancements. Holdings turnover is low and infrequent as they are benchmark driven
Moat and Competitive Advantages
Competitive Edge
XLU's competitive advantage lies in its first-mover advantage, substantial AUM, and tight bid-ask spreads, which are attractive to institutional and retail investors. Its large AUM enables it to maintain a low expense ratio, further enhancing its appeal. While other utilities ETFs exist, XLUu2019s deep liquidity and brand recognition provide a robust edge. The fund's passive management style ensures consistent tracking of the Utilities Select Sector Index, appealing to investors seeking benchmark-like returns.
Risk Analysis
Volatility
Assess XLU's volatility using metrics like standard deviation or beta, comparing it to the broader market and other sector ETFs.
Market Risk
XLU is subject to market risk, including fluctuations in interest rates, regulatory changes, and commodity prices (especially natural gas for gas utilities). Changes in the economy that decrease capital investments can also harm this ETF.
Investor Profile
Ideal Investor Profile
The ideal investor for XLU is one seeking exposure to the utilities sector for income generation, diversification, or as a defensive investment during economic downturns.
Market Risk
XLU is suitable for long-term investors, income-seeking investors, and those looking for a relatively stable investment option.
Summary
The Utilities Select Sector SPDRu00ae Fund (XLU) offers targeted exposure to the US utilities sector, providing a steady source of income and potential capital appreciation. It's a popular choice due to its high liquidity, low expense ratio, and strong tracking of the Utilities Select Sector Index. Its defensive nature makes it an attractive option during economic uncertainty. However, investors should consider the risks associated with the utilities sector, including interest rate sensitivity and regulatory changes.
Peer Comparison
Sources and Disclaimers
Data Sources:
- State Street Global Advisors (SSGA)
- Bloomberg
- Morningstar
- ETF.com
Disclaimers:
The data and analysis provided are for informational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice. Market conditions can change rapidly, and past performance is not indicative of future results. Investors should conduct their own research and consult with a financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
AI Summarization is directionally correct and might not be accurate.
Summarized information shown could be a few years old and not current.
Fundamental Rating based on AI could be based on old data.
AI-generated summaries may have inaccuracies (hallucinations). Please verify the information before taking action.
About Utilities Select Sector SPDR® Fund
Exchange NYSE ARCA | Headquaters - | ||
IPO Launch date - | CEO - | ||
Sector - | Industry - | Full time employees - | Website |
Full time employees - | Website |
In seeking to track the performance of the index, the fund employs a replication strategy. It generally invests substantially all, but at least 95%, of its total assets in the securities comprising the index. The index includes securities of companies from the following industries: electric utilities; water utilities; multi-utilities; independent power and renewable electricity producers; and gas utilities. The fund is non-diversified.

Note: This website is maintained by Upturn Corporation, which is an investment adviser registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Such registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Investing in securities has risks. Past performance is no guarantee of future returns. No assurance is provided as to any particular investment return, and you may lose money using our services. You are strongly advised to consult appropriate counsel before making any investments in companies you learn about through our services. You should obtain appropriate legal, tax, investment, accounting, and other advice that takes into account your investment portfolio and overall financial situation. You are solely responsible for conducting due diligence on a potential investment. We do not affect trades for you. You will select your own broker through which to transact. Investments are not FDIC insured, they are not guaranteed, and they may lose value. Please see the Privacy Policy, Terms of Use, and Disclosure for more information.