XLK, XLE, or XLU? Building Your Sector Pairs

Finding the right sectors is getting harder. Inflation, rising rates, and narrow market leadership combine to reshape the investing landscape.

ETF Trends • an hour ago

Biggest US grid paid record $1 billion to money-losing power plants in Q1

Power plants on the largest U.S. electric grid received a record payout of nearly $1 billion to cover their losses in the first quarter, when ​fuel costs surged during a winter cold snap, according to data analyzed by Reuters.

Reuters • May 20, 2026

Utility ETFs to Buy as AI Powers $67B NextEra-Dominion Merger

NextEra's $66.8B Dominion deal fuels AI-driven power demand, making utility ETFs like XLU timely plays.

Zacks Investment Research • May 20, 2026

The Sector Wall Street Calls ‘Defensive' Has Quietly Outpaced Both Inflation and the 10-Year Treasury for Almost Two Decades Running

As history has proven, markets go in cycles. There are bullish ascents up and bearish descents down.

24/7 Wall Street • May 19, 2026

NERC says strong resource additions boost US summer grid readiness, risks remain

The North American Electric Reliability Corp. (NERC) said in a report on Tuesday that record ​resource additions have strengthened U.S. grid readiness ‌for the summer season, even as elevated risks remain in some areas.

Reuters • May 19, 2026

From Copper to Nuclear: 6 ETFs That Cover Every Layer of the Grid Resilience Boom

The American grid is being asked to do something it was never designed to do: power an artificial intelligence (AI) build-out, electrify transportation, support reshored manufacturing, and replace aging transmission lines all at the same time.

24/7 Wall Street • May 19, 2026

Predictable Profits: The Case for Utilities Stocks

For those looking to gain targeted exposure, sectors such as utilities that offer a bit of a defensive tilt may not be a bad idea. After all, if the last few months are any indication, macroeconomic uncertainty is likely not going to slow down any time soon.

ETF Trends • May 18, 2026

NextEra's Dominion Megamerger: How It Affects Your Portfolio

Two of the top U.S. electric utility companies are now poised to join forces and create the world's largest regulated utility business. On Monday, May 18, NextEra Energy announced that it plans to buy Dominion Energy through an all-stock deal worth nearly $67 billion.

ETF Trends • May 18, 2026

The Biggest Challenge of a Utility Megadeal: Regulators

NextEra and Dominion must convince state and federal regulators that combining two of the U.S.'s largest utilities will benefit customers and avoid increasing electricity bills.

WSJ • May 19, 2026

XLU: Why I Am Upgrading S&P 500 Utilities

State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF is upgraded from Sell to Hold after recent underperformance versus equities. XLU remains 5.5% below its all-time high, with support at $44.50 and resistance at $46.50–$47.50; year-to-date return is 6.6%. Scenario analysis yields a modest 1.3% expected price return, with Utilities' defensive appeal offset by competition from higher-yielding bonds.

Seeking Alpha • May 14, 2026