GUT Is Good, But XLU Is Better

The Barnacle1.07K FollowersFollow5ShareSavePlay(10min)CommentsSummaryThe Gabelli Utilities Trust is a solid option for one who is looking for a defensive option.While GUT is a BUY, XLU has a better overall performance profile and deserves a rating of Strong Buy.GUT's standard deviation and expense ratio are drags on its overall rating, keeping it from being the preferred option.GUT does generate better yields and total returns, but XLU has better risk results, thus making it a more reliable option. Justin Paget/DigitalVision via Getty Images Introduction At the end of last year, I predicted that 2026 would be an anemic year. So far, my predictions have been too true. I am also anticipating rocky years for 2027-2029. With this in mind, I wantedThis article was written byThe Barnacle1.07K FollowersFollowThe Barnacle is a quantitative analyst and has been in and out of the investing business since 2003. He is a former member of Marketocracy's M100 Club. He has a degree in mathematics and believes that mathematics is the root of all success. If the numbers tell one to do something, then do it. When one reads his posts, one will realize that. Consequently, he does not put much stock in sell-side analysis, since most of it is pretty bad. he will share posts about value stocks that still have growth potential. This is not limited to large caps, but will also include midcaps, small caps, international stocks, gold miners, and REITs. Recently, his focus has been on ETF strategies that could potentially outperform the market's overall return or provide better risk protection. He no longer focuses on individual stocks.Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article. Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.