Where Utility Returns Stood among Other Sectors in 1Q17

In 1Q17, the Utilities Select Sector SPDR (XLU) returned 6.5%, while the total returns of the SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY) stood at 6%. Last year, utility stocks were significantly ahead of broader markets in terms of total returns and outperformed the latter by huge margins.

Remember, total returns give account for stock price appreciation as well as any dividends paid during a particular period.

Since the US elections in November 2016, utilities (DUK) (SO) (NEE) have returned more than 10%, tracking the broader markets (SPX-INDEX).

You can learn more about why utilities may come under sharper focus going forward in Market realist’s series Analyzing Utilities as Trump’s Growth Story Is Put to the Test.

Continue to the next part for a peek at the near-term future of utilities.