AAPL vs. XLC

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

AAPL (Apple Inc) is a stock, while XLC (Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund) is Communications Equities fund tracking the S&P Communication Services Select Sector Index. Over the past 5 years, AAPL returned 18.59%/yr vs 8.03%/yr for XLC. A 0.62 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined.

Performance

AAPL vs. XLC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Apple Inc (AAPL) and Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, AAPL achieves a 7.29% return, which is significantly higher than XLC's -4.85% return.

AAPL

• 1D: -1.52%
• 1M: -2.37%
• YTD: 7.29%
• 6M: 4.81%
• 1Y: 48.78%
• 3Y*: 17.21%
• 5Y*: 18.59%
• 10Y*: 29.36%

XLC

• 1D: -0.42%
• 1M: -4.66%
• YTD: -4.85%
• 6M: -3.59%
• 1Y: 10.19%
• 3Y*: 21.60%
• 5Y*: 8.03%
• 10Y*: —

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

AAPL vs. XLC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
AAPL Apple Inc	7.29%	9.05%	30.71%	49.01%	-26.40%	34.65%	82.31%	88.96%	-15.84%
XLC Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund	-4.85%	23.08%	34.71%	52.82%	-37.63%	15.96%	26.90%	31.05%	-16.45%

Correlation

The correlation between AAPL and XLC is 0.32, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.32
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.45
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.58
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 19, 2018	0.62

Over the past year, the correlation between AAPL and XLC has dropped to 0.32 - well below their long-term average of 0.62, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

AAPL vs. XLC — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

AAPL

AAPL Risk / Return Rank: 88
AAPL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 90
AAPL Sortino Ratio Rank: 89
AAPL Omega Ratio Rank: 88
AAPL Calmar Ratio Rank: 86
AAPL Martin Ratio Rank: 86

XLC

XLC Risk / Return Rank: 22
XLC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 22
XLC Sortino Ratio Rank: 22
XLC Omega Ratio Rank: 20
XLC Calmar Ratio Rank: 22
XLC Martin Ratio Rank: 24

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

AAPL vs. XLC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Apple Inc (AAPL) and Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLC). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	AAPL	XLC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.07	0.69	+1.39
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.93	1.08	+1.85
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	1.12	+0.25
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.40	0.86	+2.54
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.47	2.73	+5.74

AAPL vs. XLC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AAPL Sharpe Ratio is 2.07, which is higher than the XLC Sharpe Ratio of 0.69. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AAPL and XLC, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

AAPL vs. XLC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AAPL drawdown since its inception was -81.80%, which is greater than XLC's maximum drawdown of -46.65%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AAPL and XLC.

Drawdown Indicators

	AAPL	XLC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-81.80%	-46.65%	-35.15%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.80%	-10.57%	-3.23%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-33.36%	-17.97%	-15.39%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-33.36%	-46.65%	+13.29%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-38.52%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-7.64%	-6.72%	-0.92%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-29.59%	-10.58%	-19.01%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.53%	3.33%	+2.20%

Volatility

AAPL vs. XLC - Volatility Comparison

Apple Inc (AAPL) has a higher volatility of 6.73% compared to Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLC) at 3.57%. This indicates that AAPL's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than XLC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	AAPL	XLC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.73%	3.57%	+3.16%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.53%	9.65%	+6.88%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	22.64%	13.28%	+9.36%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	27.52%	20.68%	+6.84%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	28.92%	22.17%	+6.75%

Dividends

AAPL vs. XLC - Dividend Comparison

AAPL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.36%, less than XLC's 1.25% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AAPL Apple Inc	0.36%	0.38%	0.40%	0.49%	0.70%	0.49%	0.61%	1.04%	1.79%	1.45%	1.93%	1.93%
XLC Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund	1.25%	1.13%	0.99%	0.82%	1.10%	0.74%	0.68%	0.82%	0.64%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AAPL and XLC in my portfolio?

AAPL and XLC have a correlation of 0.32, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, AAPL or XLC?

AAPL has higher volatility (6.73%) compared to XLC (3.57%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AAPL dropped -81.80% vs XLC's -46.65%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AAPL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.07 vs 0.69), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.