In afternoon trading on Thursday, Utilities stocks are the best performing sector, with AES Corp (AES) and NextEra Energy Inc (NEE) leading the way, up 3.1% and 2.5% respectively. The Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLU) is up 0.7% on the day and 7.83% year-to-date. The Consumer Products sector is also performing well, with Estee Lauder Cos., Inc. (EL) and Hershey Company (HSY) up 3.6% and 3.3% respectively. The S&P 500 components show six sectors up and two down on Thursday. Services and Technology & Communications are the worst performing sectors of the day.

Read more at Nasdaq: Thursday Sector Leaders: Utilities, Consumer Products