Obstacles remain, but a $1 trillion infrastructure bill moved closer to becoming a law when the Senate approved it in early August after weeks of wrangling. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act would grant $550 billion in federal funds for the country's roads, bridges, rail, transit, water and other structures.
Clean energy and new technologies are also a key focus. More than $70 billion would fund upgrades for the country's power infrastructure and boost renewable-energy use. The bill also sets $65 billion aside to build a broadband network so more Americans have access to reliable high-speed internet service; another $7.5 billion would set up a national system of electric-vehicle chargers.
Infrastructure fund SPDR S&P Kensho Intelligent Structures (SIMS) invests about half of its assets in shares of industrials firms. But it also focuses on the kinds of technology that the infrastructure bill is big on.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
ChargePoint (CHPT), a top-20 holding in the fund, builds and operates electric-vehicle charging stations. Qorvo (QRVO), another top holding, makes radio-frequency systems that drive wireless and broadband communications. And Bloom Energy (BE) converts natural gas into electricity in a combustion-free process that is more environmentally friendly than conventional gas-fired power generation.
The infrastructure bill could stall, of course. But the recovering economy alone is a boon for funds with hefty industrials exposure. Just note that this fund's three-year record is high not only on return but also on volatility.
-
Tariffs Could Make Your Holiday Shopping Pricier in 2025Tax Policy Trump’s tariffs would drive prices of clothes, toys, and furniture higher, according to a new study.
-
NYC Congestion Pricing: Ghost Tax or Necessary Fee?State Taxes Drivers headed to Manhattan’s downtown district will face a new $9 toll in January.
-
6 Best Books on Investinginvesting These six books will help you be a better investor.
-
Bond Basics: Zero-Coupon Bondsinvesting These investments are attractive only to a select few. Find out if they're right for you.
-
Bond Basics: How to Reduce the Risksinvesting Bonds have risks you won't find in other types of investments. Find out how to spot risky bonds and how to avoid them.
-
What's the Difference Between a Bond's Price and Value?bonds Bonds are complex. Learning about how to trade them is as important as why to trade them.
-
Bond Basics: U.S. Agency Bondsinvesting These investments are close enough to government bonds in terms of safety, but make sure you're aware of the risks.
-
Bond Ratings and What They Meaninvesting Bond ratings assess the creditworthiness of your bond issuer, can help limit your risk of default and maximize yield.
-
Bond Basics: U.S. Savings Bondsinvesting U.S. savings bonds are a tax-advantaged way to save for higher education.
-
Bond Basics: Treasuriesinvesting Understand the different types of U.S. treasuries and how they work.
