Based on 1402 hedge funds · latest filing: 2025 Q4 · updated quarterly
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Buying streak — 3 quarters in a row
For 3 consecutive quarters, more hedge funds added XLI than sold it. That's a consistent pattern of professional buying — not a one-time trade. When institutions keep buying quarter after quarter, it usually means they see a multi-year opportunity, not just a short-term momentum flip.
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At the ownership peak (100% of max)
100% of all-time peak
1,402 hedge funds hold XLI right now — the highest count in 3.0 years. When ownership is this concentrated, any bad news can trigger a chain reaction: one big fund sells, others follow. This is a classic 'crowded trade' — high popularity doesn't equal safety.
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Steady growth — +10% more funds vs a year ago
fund count last 6Q
+127 new funds entered over the past year (+10% YoY). Gradual, steady growth in institutional ownership is generally a healthy signal — not a speculative rush, but consistent conviction.
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Slight buying edge — 58% buying
758 buying557 selling
Last quarter: 758 funds bought or added vs 557 that reduced or exited. It's nearly a 50/50 split — some institutions are convinced, others are taking profits. This mixed picture is normal near price highs.
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More new buyers each quarter (+61 vs last Q)
new funds entering per quarter
Funds opening a new XLI position: 117 → 153 → 130 → 191. A growing influx of new institutional buyers means the asset is still gathering momentum — the consensus hasn't fully saturated yet.
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65% of holders stayed for 2+ years
■ 65% conviction (2yr+)
■ 19% medium
■ 16% new
907 out of 1,402 hedge funds have held XLI for over 2 years without selling. Long-term investors are generally harder to shake out during market stress, creating a stable ownership base that limits the risk of sudden capitulation.
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Growing discovery — still being found
178 → 117 → 153 → 130 → 191 new funds/Q
New funds entering each quarter: 117 → 153 → 130 → 191. A growing number of institutions are discovering XLI each quarter. The narrative is still spreading — leaving room for ongoing capital accumulation.
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Deep conviction — 66% of holders stayed 2+ years
■ 66% veterans
■ 13% 1-2yr
■ 21% new
Of 1,449 current holders: 963 (66%) have held for over 2 years without selling. These are not momentum buyers — they have lived through drawdowns and stayed. A large veteran base acts as a stabilizing force during selloffs.
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Elite ownership — 57% AUM from top-100 funds
57% from top-100 AUM funds
29 of 1402 holders are among the 100 largest funds by AUM, controlling 57% of total institutional value in XLI. When the biggest players dominate the cap table, it signifies deep institutional support — since mega-funds deploy the most rigorous due diligence and capital.
Exit risk score 3.5/10 — low institutional crowding. Ownership is below peak levels, holder base is relatively sticky, and buying momentum is positive.