Understanding Dow Jones Utility Index ETF and Its Holdings

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The Dow Jones Utility Index ETF is a popular investment option for those looking to diversify their portfolios with a focus on the utility sector. It's designed to track the performance of the Dow Jones Utility Average, which is a benchmark index that measures the performance of 15 major utility companies.

These companies are involved in various aspects of the utility sector, including electricity, gas, and water supply. They are also involved in the production and distribution of these essential services.

The Dow Jones Utility Index ETF provides exposure to the utility sector, which is known for its stability and relatively low volatility compared to other sectors. This makes it an attractive option for investors looking for a relatively safe and consistent return on their investment.

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What is the Dow Jones Utility Index ETF?

The Dow Jones Utility Index ETF is a type of exchange-traded fund that tracks the performance of the Dow Jones Utility Average (DJUA). This index is made up of 15 utility stocks traded in the United States.

The DJUA was created by Dow Jones in 1929 after removing utility stocks from the Dow Jones Industrial Average.

The Dow Jones Utility Index ETF allows investors to gain exposure to a small group of prominent utility companies.

For another approach, see: Dow Transportation Index Etf

Key Information

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The Dow Jones Utility Index ETF is a popular investment option for those interested in the utility sector. It's a Dow Jones index group that tracks the performance of well-established utility companies.

The DJUA selection committee selects stocks based on qualitative and quantitative criteria, ensuring that only the best companies make the cut. This committee is responsible for choosing the companies that will be included in the index.

The Dow Jones Utility Index ETF is not to be confused with the energy sector, which includes companies that explore and develop natural resources. The utility sector is a distinct group of companies that provide essential services like electricity, water, and gas.

Here are some key features of the Utilities Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLU):

  • It seeks to provide investment results that correspond to the price and yield performance of the Utilities Select Sector Index.
  • It offers precise exposure to companies from the electric utilities, water utilities, multi-utilities, independent power, and renewable electricity producers, and gas utility industries.
  • It allows investors to take strategic or tactical positions at a more targeted level than traditional style-based investing.

The Utilities Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLU) is the largest utilities exchange-traded fund on the market, with roughly $16.54 billion worth of assets under its management. This ETF invests in stocks of companies that operate within the utility sector and is managed by SSGA Fund Management.

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Components and Holdings

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The Dow Jones Utility Index ETF holds a diverse portfolio of companies, each with its own unique characteristics. The current components of the DJUA, as of November 8, 2024, are listed below.

The DJUA has undergone some changes over the years, with American Water Works replacing Williams Companies in 2014, and Atmos Energy and Xcel Energy replacing CenterPoint Energy and NiSource in 2020.

Additional reading: Fidelity Msci Energy Index Etf

Components

The Dow Jones Utility Average (DJUA) is comprised of 15 prominent utility companies, and as of November 8, 2024, these companies are listed below.

Here are the current components of the DJUA:

These companies have replaced others over the years, with American Water Works replacing Williams Companies in 2014, and Atmos Energy and Xcel Energy replacing CenterPoint Energy and NiSource in 2020.

Consolidated Edison (ED)

Consolidated Edison (ED) is one of the largest energy companies in the U.S. Established as New York Gas Light company in 1823, it provides electric, gas, and steam utility services for the 10 million residents of New York City and Westchester County.

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They contribute more than 9,000 volunteer hours a year. This is a significant commitment to giving back to the community.

Consolidated Edison reported operating revenues of $13.67 billion for 2021, a significant increase from the 2020 operating revenues of $12.24 billion. This growth is a testament to the company's financial stability.

Its net income from common stock was $1.34 billion in 2021, up from $1.1 billion in 2020. This increase in net income demonstrates the company's ability to generate profits.

As of May 4, 2022, Consolidated Edison's market capitalization was $33.1 billion. This valuation reflects the company's value in the eyes of investors.

Investing and Performance

The Dow Jones Utility Average (DJUA) is a stock index that tracks the performance of 15 prominent U.S. utility companies. This index is indicative of trends in the economy.

Investing in the DJUA can be done through similar funds, such as the Utilities Select Sector SPDR (NYSE Arca: XLU), which has very similar behavior. This fund is a convenient alternative since there is no ETF that directly tracks the DJUA.

The DJUA has a diverse portfolio of companies, including American Electric Power (AEP) and conEdison, which have a combined market capitalization of over $100 billion.

Annual Returns

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The Dow Jones Utility Average (DJUA) provides a snapshot of the overall performance of the US utility sector. The stocks included in this index are carefully reviewed to ensure they are representative of the industry.

The DJUA tracks the performance of 15 prominent US utility companies. These companies are reviewed regularly to ensure they meet the index's criteria.

The annual returns of the DJUA have fluctuated over the years. According to S&P Global, the DJUA has consistently outperformed the broader market.

Here's a breakdown of the DJUA's annual returns over the past few years:

The DJUA's performance is often compared to that of American Electric Power (AEP), one of the largest utility companies in the US. AEP's revenue and net income have consistently grown over the years, reflecting the company's stability and financial health.

Investing

The utility sector is a great place to put your money because its companies are always in demand due to how essential their services are.

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Investing in utility sector funds can provide a degree of protection from market volatility.

There is no fund that tracks the utility sector index directly, but funds like Utilities Select Sector SPDR (NYSE Arca: XLU) have similar behavior.

Utility ETFs are a good option for investors looking to gain exposure to the sector without betting on individual stocks.

These ETFs often have low management fees and experienced managers behind them, making them an attractive option for investors.

Utility ETFs are not subject to the same level of volatility as other equity investments, providing investors with a greater degree of protection.

This makes them suitable investments for those with an investment objective centered around receiving dividends while keeping their portfolio safe from volatility.

First Trust EIP Carbon Impact ETF (NYSEARCA: ECLN) is an example of a utility ETF that has a low expense ratio of 0.95% and a dividend payout of $0.44 with a dividend yield of 1.70%.

This fund invests in companies with positive carbon emissions and has 50 holdings with 75% of its portfolio in utilities.

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iShares U.S. ETF (IDU)

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The iShares U.S. Utilities ETF (IDU) is a popular choice for investors looking to tap into the utility sector. It was launched by BlackRock Inc, the biggest asset management company in the world, and has been tracking the Russell 1000 Utilities RIC 22.5/45 Capped Index since its inception.

IDU boasts a total returns growth of 3.28%, which is a significant advantage for investors. The fund's expense ratio is 0.39%, which is relatively low compared to other ETFs in the market.

As of January, IDU is trading at roughly $87, making it an attractive option for those looking to invest in the utility sector. The fund offers investors a dividend rate of $2.07 with a yield of 2.36%, providing a steady stream of income.

The fund's asset base is substantial, with $1.1 billion in total assets under management. This level of capital gives IDU the stability and flexibility to navigate the market effectively.

Here's a quick rundown of IDU's key statistics:

Overall, IDU is a solid choice for investors looking to gain exposure to the utility sector.

Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF

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The Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF is a great option for those looking to diversify their portfolio. It tracks the S&P 500 Equal Weight Index very closely.

This ETF is domiciled in the United States and is issued and managed by Invesco Capital Management LLC. The fund invests at least 90% of its assets in utility company stocks in its underlying index.

The expense ratio of the ETF is 0.20%, which is relatively low compared to other funds. As of January, the ETF is trading at $145.

The Invesco S&P 500 Equal Weight ETF has a large total assets under management of $33.69 billion, with 505 holdings. This suggests that the fund is well-established and has a strong track record.

The ETF also yields dividends with an annual payout of $2.57, making it a great option for income investors.

Curious to learn more? Check out: S&p 500 Equal Weight Index Etf

AlphaDex Fund

AlphaDex Fund is a type of exchange-traded fund that tracks the performance of a specific index.

Wall Street
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The First Trust Utilities AlphaDEX Fund, for example, invests in stocks of companies in the utility sector and aims to replicate the results of the StrataQuant Utilities Index.

It invests 90% of its assets in the common stocks of its underlying index, with a total of 42 holdings.

The majority of its holdings are in UGI Corp, Avangrid Inc, NGR Energy Inc, and OGE Energy Corp, which brings its total assets under management to $371.50 million.

Its expense ratio is a relatively low 0.64%.

The fund's focus on utilities means it pays an annual dividend payout of $0.67 with a yield of 2.01%.

Lisa Ullrich

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Lisa Ullrich is a meticulous and detail-oriented copy editor with a passion for precision. With a keen eye for grammar and syntax, she has honed her skills in refining complex ideas and presenting them in a clear and concise manner. Lisa's expertise spans a wide range of topics, from finance and economics to technology and culture.

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