XLU trades at 23x earnings, which is above its 17x historical norm, as Constellation and Vistra add direct AI data center power pricing exposure.
VPU delivers similar returns to XLU with broader diversification, while RSPU prevents any one stock from dominating the way NextEra does at 14%.
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Utility stocks returned to focus in 2026 as artificial intelligence data center demand strained the power grid. That backdrop has pushed investors back into sector funds like the Utilities Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSEARCA:XLU), the Vanguard Utilities ETF (NYSEARCA:VPU), the Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Utilities ETF (NYSEARCA:RSPU), and the actively managed Virtus Reaves Utilities ETF (NYSEARCA:UTES).
XLU sits at the center of the conversation. The fund carries a 0.08% net expense ratio, has climbed roughly 8% year to date, and pays a 2.6% dividend yield. The question for investors is whether that combination still offers the stability the sector is known for after a re-rating driven more by AI narratives than by regulated returns.
VPU delivers similar returns to XLU with broader diversification, while RSPU prevents any one stock from dominating the way NextEra does at 14%.
Don't wait: the **** yst who called NVIDIA in 2010 just revealed his top 10 AI stocks. See the full list FREE now.
Utility stocks returned to focus in 2026 as artificial intelligence data center demand strained the power grid. That backdrop has pushed investors back into sector funds like the Utilities Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSEARCA:XLU), the Vanguard Utilities ETF (NYSEARCA:VPU), the Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight Utilities ETF (NYSEARCA:RSPU), and the actively managed Virtus Reaves Utilities ETF (NYSEARCA:UTES).
XLU sits at the center of the conversation. The fund carries a 0.08% net expense ratio, has climbed roughly 8% year to date, and pays a 2.6% dividend yield. The question for investors is whether that combination still offers the stability the sector is known for after a re-rating driven more by AI narratives than by regulated returns.
10 days ago
