ETF of the Month — November 2025

In a world where every scroll, stream, and click fights for your attention, someone’s making money from all that screen time. This month’s ETF of the Month is a collection of companies that keep you connected, entertained, and informed.

Well What Is IT?

XLC has been one of 2025’s strongest performing sector ETFs. Meta and Alphabet have both delivered standout earnings, driven by a rebound in digital advertising, while Disney’s streaming business has shown signs of recovery. Together they’ve reignited interest in the communication services sector, which is once again being viewed as a mix of reliable growth and steady cash flow.

Quick Stats

Metric Detail
ETF Name Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund
Ticker XLC
Expense Ratio 0.08%
Assets Under Management (AUM) ~USD 26.9 billion
Top Holdings Meta Platforms, Alphabet, Walt Disney
YTD Performance Approx. +17% as of November 2025
Theme Digital media, social networks, and interactive entertainment

The Lazy Take

If you don’t have time to chase individual tech stocks, XLC is like buying the entire attention economy in one click. You get exposure to social media, streaming, telecoms and online advertising through a single, low-cost ETF. It’s a simple way to invest in the companies that define modern digital life, without needing to constantly monitor the market.

Risks to Keep in Mind

Concentration — Meta and Alphabet make up a large share of the fund, so any stumble from either company will move the needle.
Regulation — Data privacy and antitrust scrutiny remain ongoing risks.
Ad Cycles — Advertising revenue is sensitive to broader economic conditions.
Volatility — Sector funds can swing more sharply than broad market ETFs like VAS or VGS.

How you Could use it in a Lazy Portfolio

Portfolio Role Suggested Weight Purpose
Core (VAS, VGS, IVV) 80–90% Broad market foundation
Satellite (XLC) 5–10% Tactical exposure to digital engagement
Cash or Bonds Remaining Diversification and stability

Bottom Line

For November 2025, XLC earns its place as The Lazy Trader’s ETF of the Month. It offers a simple, efficient way to own the attention economy. The businesses that power how we communicate, watch, and connect every day.

Scroll less. Earn more.

Previous
Previous

Dividend ETFs vs ETF Dividends: What’s the Difference?

Next
Next

ACDC ETF: Is Now the Time to Plug In?