Stocks

Navigating Market Volatility: Invest in Steady Utility Stocks

Published February 23, 2024

Amidst a backdrop of fluctuating market conditions, investors are increasingly seeking stability in their portfolios. One of the time-honored strategies is to allocate funds into low-beta utility stocks. These stocks, characterized by their lower volatility and correlation to the broader market, provide a measure of security compared to higher-beta investments. In particular, utility stocks like DTE, AWK, FTS and CWCO are drawing attention as they maintain a steadiness that can be a haven for investors during turbulent times.

Understanding Low-Beta Utility Stocks

Low-beta stocks are those whose price movements are less volatile than the market average. In the utility sector, this is often due to the essential nature of the services provided, such as water and electricity, which remain in constant demand regardless of economic cycles. As a result, utility companies typically generate stable revenues and offer regular dividends, making them attractive to investors seeking to mitigate risk.

Spotlight on Four Utility Stocks

DTE, DTE Energy, stands out not only for its low beta but also for its diversified energy operations extending beyond its original base as Detroit Edison. Active in both the United States and Canada, DTE Energy focuses on the development and management of various energy-related businesses and diligent service provision.

Further north, FTS, or Fortis Inc., operates across Canada, the US, and the Caribbean. As a prominent gas and electric utility company, Fortis has built a reputation for reliable energy delivery and investments in infrastructure to support sustainable energy practices.

AWK, known as American Water Works Company, Inc., is an established public utility firm with operations in both the US and Canada. American Water supplies millions of customers with high-quality water service, reflecting the crucial nature of its offerings and enforcing its position in the low-beta utility stock space.

In the idyllic setting of the Caribbean, CWCO or Consolidated Water Co. Ltd., focuses on water treatment and production. With its infrastructure in the Cayman Islands, the Bahamas, and the US, Consolidated Water ensures essential water services to its communities, contributing to the stability and growth of its operations and stock value.

utilities, investment, stability