What stocks are in XLU?
7 min read
By Ron Koren, ETF Insider

What stocks are in XLU?

The Utilities Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLU) is an exchange-traded fund (ETF) that provides investors with exposure to the utilities sector of the stock market. This sector includes companies involved in the production and delivery of essential services such as electricity, natural gas, water, and telecommunications. If you're considering investing in XLU or simply want to understand the composition of this ETF, this article will explore the stocks that make up XLU. By examining the holdings within XLU, you can gain insights into the companies shaping the utilities industry and make informed investment decisions in this sector.

Understanding XLU - An Overview of the ETF

XLU, which stands for Utilities Select Sector SPDR Fund, is an exchange-traded fund (ETF) that tracks the performance of companies in the utilities sector. This sector includes companies involved in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity, gas, and water. XLU provides investors with an opportunity to gain exposure to the utilities sector as a whole, rather than investing in individual utility stocks.

When considering what stocks are in XLU, it's important to note that the fund aims to replicate the performance of the Utilities Select Sector Index, which is maintained by S&P Dow Jones Indices. The index includes large-cap utility companies from the S&P 500, representing the utilities sector in the U.S. equity market. Some of the top holdings in XLU may include companies like NextEra Energy, Duke Energy, Dominion Energy, and Southern Company. These companies are among the largest and most influential in the utilities sector.

To get detailed information on the current holdings of XLU, it's recommended to visit the official website of State Street Global Advisors, the provider of the ETF. They provide up-to-date information on the fund's holdings, including the percentage allocation to each stock. You can access their website here.

Please note that the composition of XLU's holdings may change over time as the fund's managers rebalance the portfolio to reflect changes in the sector. It's always advisable to refer to the official sources for the most accurate and current information.

What is the expense ratio of XLU?

The expense ratio of XLU, which represents the annual operating expenses of the fund, is an important factor to consider. As of the latest available information, XLU has an expense ratio of 0.13%. This means that for every $1,000 invested in XLU, $1.30 goes towards covering the fund's operating expenses.

XLU overlap What stocks are in XLU?XLU overlap What stocks are in XLU?

Can I reinvest dividends with XLU?

Yes, XLU offers a dividend reinvestment program (DRIP) that allows investors to automatically reinvest any dividends received from the underlying stocks back into the fund. This can be a convenient way to compound returns over time.

For more detailed answers to frequently asked questions about XLU, you can visit the official website of State Street Global Advisors. They provide comprehensive information on the fund, its features, and the investment process.

Comparing XLU with Other Utility ETFs

When exploring utility sector ETFs, it's natural to compare XLU with similar funds in the market. Two popular ETFs in the utilities sector are Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU) and iShares U.S. Utilities ETF (IDU).

VPU aims to track the performance of the MSCI US Investable Market Utilities 25/50 Index and has an expense ratio of 0.10%. On the other hand, IDU seeks to replicate the performance of the Dow Jones U.S. Utilities Index and has an expense ratio of 0.42%.

Each of these ETFs may have a slightly different composition and weighting methodology, so it's important to evaluate their respective holdings, expense ratios, and historical performance before making an investment decision.

For more information on VPU and IDU, you can visit the official websites of Vanguard and iShares, respectively.

Understanding the Role of Utilities in a Diversified Portfolio

Including utilities in a diversified investment portfolio can offer certain benefits. Utilities tend to have relatively stable cash flows, which can provide income and act as a defensive component during market downturns. Additionally, utility stocks often pay dividends, making them attractive to income-focused investors.

However, it's important to note that the performance of utilities can be influenced by factors such as interest rate changes, regulatory decisions, and energy market dynamics. Therefore, investors should carefully consider their investment goals, risk tolerance, and overall portfolio strategy before allocating a portion of their assets to utilities or utility ETFs like XLU.

In conclusion, XLU is an ETF that provides exposure to the utilities sector in the U.S. equity market. By investing in XLU, investors can gain access to a diversified portfolio of large-cap utility companies. However, it's essential to conduct thorough research and consider personal investment objectives before making any investment decisions.

disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not provide any investment advisory services.

Source 1: XLU issuer website Source 2: Reuters article about XLU

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FAQ

  • What is XLU stock?

    XLU is not a stock itself but the ticker symbol for the Utilities Select Sector SPDR Fund. It is an exchange-traded fund (ETF) that represents the utilities sector and provides investors with exposure to a diversified portfolio of utility stocks.

  • What stocks are in XLU?

    XLU holds a diversified portfolio of utility stocks. The specific stocks included in XLU can change over time based on the composition of the underlying index and the fund manager's investment strategy. It typically includes companies from various segments of the utilities industry, such as electric utilities, gas utilities, water utilities, and multi-utilities.

  • Does XLU pay dividends?

    Yes, XLU pays dividends. As an ETF representing the utilities sector, it receives dividend payments from the underlying stocks held in its portfolio and distributes a portion of those payments to investors as dividends.

  • How does XLU distribute accumulated dividends?

    XLU generally follows a pass-through structure where accumulated dividends from its underlying stocks are distributed to investors periodically. The frequency and distribution method can vary based on the fund's policy and the dividend payment schedule of the underlying stocks. It is advisable to refer to the fund's prospectus or the official website for specific details regarding dividend distributions.

  • What works on Wall Street XLU value strategy?

    "What Works on Wall Street" is a book by James O'Shaughnessy that explores various investment strategies. The value strategy mentioned in the book may refer to investing in undervalued stocks based on fundamental factors such as price-to-earnings ratios, book value, or other valuation metrics. Applying a value strategy to XLU would involve identifying utility stocks that appear undervalued based on these criteria.