About Select Sector SPDRs
Fund Descriptions
Select Sector SPDRs, before expenses, are designed to closely track the price performance and dividend yield of Select Sector Indexes comprised of constituent stocks of the S&P 500. The Select Sector Index portfolios are weighted on a modified market-value (or capitalization) basis. The companies included in each Select Sector Index are chosen on the basis of general industry classification.
Here's a look at the nine Select Sector Indexes on which the Select Sector SPDRs are based. All company-specific information is subject to change.
The Consumer Discretionary Select Sector Index
Industries such as automobiles and components, consumer durables, apparel, hotels, restaurants, leisure, media, and retailing are primarily represented in this group. Index includes Wal-Mart Stores, Walt Disney Co., and General Motors Corp.
The Consumer Staples Select Sector Index
The companies in this sector are primarily involved in the development and production of consumer products that cover food and drug retailing, beverages, food products, tobacco, household products, and personal products. Component stocks include The Coca-Cola Company, Philip Morris Companies, Inc., and Proctor & Gamble Co.
The Energy Select Sector Index
Energy companies in this Index primarily develop and produce crude oil and natural gas, and provide drilling and other energy-related services. Leaders in the group include ExxonMobil Corp., ChevronTexaco Corp, and ConocoPhillips.
The Financial Select Sector Index
A wide array of diversified financial service firms are featured in this sector with business lines ranging from investment management to commercial and investment banking. Among the companies included in the Index are American International Group Inc., Citigroup Inc., and BankAmerica Corp.
The Health Care Select Sector Index
Companies in this sector primarily include health care equipment and supplies, health care providers and services, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals industries. Pfizer Inc., Johnson & Johnson, and Merck & Co., Inc. are included in this sector's mix.
The Industrial Select Sector Index
General Electric Co., Minnesota Mining & Manufacturing Co. and Boeing Co. are among the largest components by market capitalization in this sector. Industries in the Index include aerospace and defense, building products, construction and engineering, electrical equipment, conglomerates, machinery, commercial services and supplies, air freight and logistics, airlines, marine, road and rail, and transportation infrastructure companies.
The Materials Select Sector Index
This Index is composed of companies primarily involved in such industries as chemicals, construction materials, containers and packaging, metals and mining, and paper and forest products. Among its largest components are E.I. DuPont de Nemours & Co., Dow Chemical Co., and Alcoa Inc.
The Technology Select Sector Index
Stocks primarily covering products developed by internet software and service companies, IT consulting services, semiconductor equipment and products, computers and peripherals, diversified telecommunication services, and wireless telecommunication services are included in this Index. Components include Microsoft Corp., Intel Corp., International Business Machines Corp.
The Utilities Select Sector Index
The Utilities Index primarily provides companies involved in water and electrical power and natural gas distribution industries. Component companies include Duke Energy Corp., Excelon Corp., and Dominion Resources Inc.
