The worst performing sector as of midday Thursday is the Utilities sector, showing a 1.1% loss. Within that group, SCANA Corp (NYSE: SCG) and Sempra Energy (NYSE: SRE) are two large stocks that are lagging, showing a loss of 2.0% and 1.7%, respectively. Among utilities ETFs, one ETF following the sector is the Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF (AMEX: XLU), which is down 1.0% on the day, and down 0.21% year-to-date. SCANA Corp, meanwhile, is down 3.28% year-to-date, and Sempra Energy is up 1.37% year-to-date. Combined, SCG and SRE make up approximately 5.8% of the underlying holdings of XLU.
The next worst performing sector is the Services sector, showing a 1.0% loss. Among large Services stocks, Urban Outfitters, Inc. (NASD: URBN) and Staples Inc (NASD: SPLS) are the most notable, showing a loss of 3.5% and 3.0%, respectively. One ETF closely tracking Services stocks is the iShares U.S. Consumer Services ETF (IYC), which is down 0.5% in midday trading, and up 2.25% on a year-to-date basis. Urban Outfitters, Inc., meanwhile, is down 8.57% year-to-date, and Staples Inc, is down 0.44% year-to-date. Combined, URBN and SPLS make up approximately 0.3% of the underlying holdings of IYC.
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Comparing these stocks and ETFs on a trailing twelve month basis, below is a relative stock price performance chart, with each of the symbols shown in a different color as labeled in the legend at the bottom:
Here's a snapshot of how the S&P 500 components within the various sectors are faring in afternoon trading on Thursday. As you can see, none of the sectors are up on the day, while nine sectors are down.
| Sector | % Change |
|---|---|
| Industrial | -0.1% |
| Energy | -0.4% |
| Technology & Communications | -0.5% |
| Consumer Products | -0.6% |
| Financial | -0.8% |
| Materials | -0.8% |
| Healthcare | -0.9% |
| Services | -1.0% |
| Utilities | -1.1% |
