The Dow Jones Utility Average is a stock market index that tracks the performance of 15 major utility companies in the United States. It is part of the broader Dow Jones Industrial Average family and focuses specifically on utility stocks, which include electric, gas, and water companies. This index helps investors gauge the health of the utility sector and is often seen as a barometer for the overall economy. Investors use the Dow Jones Utility Average to assess market trends and make informed decisions about utility investments. The index is price-weighted, meaning that companies with higher stock prices have a greater influence on the index's performance. This makes it a useful tool for understanding the dynamics of the utility market.