The 2025 Energy Resurgence: 3 ETFs to Watch Before the Year Ends

Core Insights - The energy sector in 2025 is characterized by a "return to fundamentals" and a significant increase in structural demand, with a 6.2% growth in Q3 2025 compared to a total return of 5.6% in the previous year [1][10] - The growth is driven by traditional industrial needs and the rapid electrification of the global economy, termed the "Age of Electricity" [1] Factors Influencing the Energy Sector - The AI Power Crunch is a major catalyst, with global data center investment projected to reach $580 billion in 2025, shifting capital towards companies providing reliable power [4] - Global investment in renewable energy development reached a record $386 billion in H1 2025, marking a 10% year-on-year increase, driven by offshore wind and small-scale solar [5] - Despite the green transition, global oil demand growth rebounded to 920 thousand barrels per day in Q3 2025, more than doubling sequentially, benefiting major oil companies [6] - Traditional integrated oil and gas companies and electric utilities have excelled due to robust cash flows and their essential role in the energy sector [7] Outlook for 2026 - The demand for electricity is expected to anchor the energy sector, with data center power demand projected to more than double by 2030 [8] - Companies involved in natural gas production, flexible generation, and grid-connected infrastructure are favored, alongside traditional majors pivoting towards low carbon power assets [9] Energy ETFs Performance - Major Energy ETFs like XLE gained 4.8% year to date, providing low-cost exposure to diversified energy leaders [10] - The Vanguard Energy ETF (VDE) has assets of $7.1 billion and gained 4.1% year to date, with top holdings including Exxon Mobil, Chevron, and Conoco Phillips [12][13] - The Fidelity MSCI Energy Index ETF (FENY) has assets of $1.3 billion and rose 4.2% year to date, with similar top holdings [14] - The State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE) has assets of $26.12 billion and gained 4.8% year to date, also featuring major oil companies in its top holdings [15]