The Globe and Mail reports in its Tuesday, April 23, edition that Scotia Capital analysts Andrew Weisel and Robert Hope see investor sentiment toward North America's utility and power sectors as "indifferent or apathetic" as valuations continue to be hurt by "stubbornly high" interest rates. The Globe's David Leeder writes in the Eye On Equities column that Mr. Hope has reaffirmed his "sector perform" recommendation for Fortis. Mr. Hope gave his share target a $4 trim to $56. Analysts on average target the shares at $57.61. Mr. Weisel says in a note: "We expect utilities to remain out of favour for the foreseeable future. Investor sentiment appears to be somewhere between apathy and negativity, in our view. Increasing bullishness around the macro economy, coupled with a more hawkish sentiment around interest rates, is keeping investors away from this sleepy, yield-sensitive sector. Consensus EPS forecasts for the S&P 500 now call for year-over-year growth of 12 per cent in 2024-2026. By contrast, consensus forecasts for utilities call for 7 to 8 per cent in all three years -- quite strong by historical standards and attractively stable, but notably slower growth than the market overall."