Utilities Sector (XLU) Rises 10.12% in October as Exelon Leads

The utilities sector (XLU) rose 10.12% in October, outpacing the S&P 500’s 0.94% decline as Exelon led utility gainers and regulated electric and water companies dominated the top performers.

All five of the month’s top utility gainers were regulated electric utilities or water companies. Exelon led the group, while NRG lagged.

Long-term Treasury yields fell in October, creating a favorable backdrop for utility shares, which investors often treat as bond proxies.

For the quarter ended Sept. 30, Exelon reported adjusted operating earnings of 87 cents per share, up from 86 cents a year earlier. In its Oct. 30 results and outlook update, Exelon said adjusted operating earnings were above expectations and raised the lower end of its 2026 adjusted operating earnings outlook by 4 cents per share.