ACES Positions for $1.4T Grid Upgrade Wave

Core Insights - The ACES ETF is positioned to benefit from a $1.4 trillion utility infrastructure upgrade through 2030, driven by the need to modernize an aging grid to meet rising power demands [1] - Utilities have increased capital spending by 12% in 2025, with expectations of an additional 6% increase in 2026 as they address surging electricity needs and replace outdated equipment [1] - Approximately 40% of the U.S. grid infrastructure is over 40 years old, creating a bottleneck that necessitates an overhaul, benefiting companies within ACES' holdings [1] Investment Opportunities - ACES has a 16.2% allocation to energy management and storage firms that provide equipment and technology for grid modernization [1] - Itron (ITRI), making up 4.9% of ACES, manufactures smart meters and grid management equipment essential for utilities [1] - The fund also includes renewable energy developers such as Brookfield Renewable Partners (BEP) at nearly 5% and Clearway Energy (CWEN) at 3.9% [1] Performance Metrics - ACES has total assets of $115.8 million as of December and has returned 36.2% over the past year, significantly outperforming the S&P 1000 Index, which returned 7.04% in the same period [1] Market Trends - Battery energy storage systems are becoming integral to utility planning, with over 30 U.S. states expected to show strong market conditions for battery storage in the next five years [1] - Fluence Energy (FLNC), representing 1.5% of ACES, surged 55.6% in January after securing contracts for battery technology for a clean energy center [1] - Eos Energy Enterprises (EOSE), holding a 3.8% weight in the fund, gained 27.8% following the launch of a new battery architecture [1] Sector Dynamics - Total electricity demand rose by 2.3% in 2025, with data centers projected to account for 10% of total electricity consumption by 2030 [1] - U.S. electricity demand growth is expected to quadruple in 2026, driven by AI computing facilities and broader electrification [1] - The clean energy sector is increasingly influenced by long-term capital expenditures related to infrastructure needs rather than short-term policy cycles [1]