Rising Treasury Yields Drag Down Utility Stocks as Investors Seek Higher Income
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Utility stocks like Duke Energy, Dominion Energy, and NextEra Energy fell significantly as yields on 10-year Treasuries rose.
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Treasuries are seen as very safe investments, so when their yields rise, they can draw investors away from utilities.
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Utilities have stable, predictable cash flows that support steady dividends, which investors like.
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But those dividend yields look less attractive compared to rising yields on Treasuries.
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Utility stocks remain fairly stable businesses, but may need to raise dividends to compete with Treasuries for income investors.