The utilities sector, as measured by the XLU ETF, experienced a significant 3.18% jump in after-hours trading. This move is likely a delayed reaction to the day's macroeconomic news. The August Consumer Price Index (CPI) came in largely as expected, which eased fears of more aggressive Federal Reserve rate hikes. Consequently, the 10-year Treasury yield, which had been rising, pulled back from its recent highs, increasing the appeal of high-dividend-paying utility stocks as investors sought yield and a degree of safety.