This ETF is Crushing the S&P 500. Here's Why It's a Simple Way to Invest in AI While Generating Passive Income from High-Yield Stocks.

Group 1: Investment Thesis for Utility Stocks - The utility sector is outperforming the S&P 500, driven by advancements in AI and energy transition [1][4][8] - The Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU) offers diversification across the U.S. utility sector, primarily in electric and multi-utilities [2][3] - The fund has a low expense ratio of 0.09% and provides a yield of 2.7% with a price-to-earnings ratio of 21.4, making it an attractive option for passive income [3] Group 2: Performance Metrics - The S&P Utilities Select Sector Index has increased by 13.10% year-to-date, outperforming the S&P 500's 9.95% increase [5] - Other sectors outperforming the S&P 500 include industrials (16.02%), communication services (14.69%), technology (12.79%), and financials (10.63%) [5] Group 3: AI and Electricity Demand - AI is significantly driving electricity demand, with major tech companies investing heavily in cloud infrastructure [9][10] - The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) projects a 2.2% annual increase in nationwide electricity sales for 2025 and 2026, with higher growth in areas with data centers [11] - Specific regions like ERCOT are expected to see a 7% increase in electricity demand in 2025 and 14% in 2026 due to data centers and cryptocurrency mining [12] Group 4: Renewable Energy and Sustainability - Utilities are investing in renewable energy to meet sustainability goals, driven by demand from cloud computing companies [14][15] - Amazon has achieved 100% renewable electricity for its operations, while Microsoft and Google are also making significant investments in clean energy [18] - AI-related demand is leading companies to sign power purchase agreements (PPAs) for renewable energy projects, influencing EIA's forecasts [17][19] Group 5: Investment Opportunities - The utility sector is positioned to benefit from increasing energy demand due to population and economic growth, with AI further straining the energy grid [19] - The Vanguard Utilities ETF provides a way for investors to gain exposure to AI-driven growth without the volatility of high-growth stocks [20]