
This exchange-traded fund endeavors to replicate the investment returns of a benchmark index dedicated to the utilities industry. It is passively managed, typically striving for full replication of the index's holdings, but may adopt a sampling strategy if regulatory dictates necessitate. The portfolio includes shares of companies involved in the distribution of electricity, water, or natural gas, as well as firms operating as independent power producers.
Is VPU's expense ratio expensive, average, or a steal for its category?
Pro reveals the verdict on a 5-tier spectrum calibrated against ICI 2025 industry averages, with strategy-aware bands so the comparison is meaningful.

In the first seven months of 2026, investors pushed $1.23 trillion into exchange-traded funds. When ETFs were first introduced, they largely tracked major indexes and competed on cost.

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VPU gives investors a diversified basket of U.S. utilities. That basket could be well insulated against the next market downturn.

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Vanguard Utilities Index Fund ETF Shares (VPU) is evaluated as an investment at current levels. VPU has underperformed the S&P 500 recently, with utilities sector returns flat year-to-date versus double-digit S&P 500 gains. I see recent weakness in VPU as an opportunity, supporting an upgrade to 'buy' based on a strong forward outlook.