
The Select Sector SPDR Trust - State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF is an exchange traded fund launched by State Street Global Advisors, Inc. It is managed by SSGA Funds Management, Inc. It invests in public equity markets of the United States. It invests in stocks of companies operating across utilities sectors. It invests in growth and value stocks of companies across diversified market capitalization. The fund seeks to track the performance of the Utilities Select Sector Index, by using full replication technique. The Select Sector SPDR Trust - State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF was formed on December 16, 1998 and is domiciled in the United States.
Is XLU'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.

The Virtus Reaves Utilities ETF (NYSEARCA:UTES) is one of the only actively managed funds in the utilities category, and its 0.49% expense ratio sits near the top end of what utility investors will pay.

Utility stocks returned to focus in 2026 as artificial intelligence data center demand strained the power grid.

Q2 earnings are off to a strong start. Tech, Energy, Materials, Finance and Aerospace ETFs could shine as profit growth broadens across sectors.

BULIX, FSUTX and FKUTX gain traction as utilities ride defensive demand and AI-driven electricity growth, reshaping their role in 2026 portfolios.

The State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLU) has long been viewed as a defensive investment, preferred by investors seeking stable cash flows, consistent dividends, and lower volatility.