Infrastructure Investment Bill: A $1 Trillion Plan for US Infrastructure

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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.

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.

As of August 6, 2021. SOURCES: Morningstar, Principal, Yahoo Finance.