ASML vs. XLK

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

ASML (ASML Holding N.V.) is a stock, while XLK (State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF) is Technology Equities fund tracking the S&P Technology Select Sector Daily Capped 35/20 Index. Over the past 10 years, ASML returned 36.00%/yr vs 25.19%/yr for XLK. A 0.68 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined.

Performance

ASML vs. XLK - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ASML Holding N.V. (ASML) and State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLK). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ASML achieves a 74.80% return, which is significantly higher than XLK's 28.52% return. Over the past 10 years, ASML has outperformed XLK with an annualized return of 36.00%, while XLK has yielded a comparatively lower 25.19% annualized return.

ASML

• 1D: -1.89%
• 1M: 24.09%
• YTD: 74.80%
• 6M: 73.02%
• 1Y: 146.81%
• 3Y*: 37.59%
• 5Y*: 22.97%
• 10Y*: 36.00%

XLK

• 1D: 0.87%
• 1M: 2.95%
• YTD: 28.52%
• 6M: 28.96%
• 1Y: 55.42%
• 3Y*: 30.28%
• 5Y*: 22.02%
• 10Y*: 25.19%

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

ASML vs. XLK - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
ASML ASML Holding N.V.	74.80%	56.51%	-7.70%	39.91%	-30.49%	64.13%	66.06%	93.56%	-9.80%	56.23%
XLK State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF	28.52%	24.61%	21.63%	56.02%	-27.73%	34.74%	43.62%	49.86%	-1.68%	34.26%

Correlation

The correlation between ASML and XLK is 0.62, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.62
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.67
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.74
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.73
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 22, 1998	0.68

The correlation between ASML and XLK shifts across timeframes, from 0.62 (1 year) to 0.74 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

ASML vs. XLK — Risk / Return Rank

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

ASML

ASML Risk / Return Rank: 95
ASML Sharpe Ratio Rank: 96
ASML Sortino Ratio Rank: 94
ASML Omega Ratio Rank: 92
ASML Calmar Ratio Rank: 96
ASML Martin Ratio Rank: 96

XLK

XLK Risk / Return Rank: 76
XLK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 85
XLK Sortino Ratio Rank: 76
XLK Omega Ratio Rank: 78
XLK Calmar Ratio Rank: 75
XLK Martin Ratio Rank: 68

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.

ASML vs. XLK - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ASML Holding N.V. (ASML) and State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLK). 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.

	ASML	XLK	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.27	2.37	+0.89
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.70	2.92	+0.78
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.45	1.39	+0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	7.83	3.36	+4.47
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	21.08	10.85	+10.23

ASML vs. XLK - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ASML Sharpe Ratio is 3.27, which is higher than the XLK Sharpe Ratio of 2.37. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ASML and XLK, 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

ASML vs. XLK - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ASML drawdown since its inception was -90.00%, which is greater than XLK's maximum drawdown of -82.05%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ASML and XLK.

Drawdown Indicators

	ASML	XLK	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-90.00%	-82.05%	-7.95%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-17.85%	-15.92%	-1.93%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-45.38%	-25.66%	-19.72%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-56.84%	-33.56%	-23.28%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-56.84%	-33.56%	-23.28%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.89%	-6.77%	+4.88%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-28.12%	-34.93%	+6.81%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.63%	4.92%	+1.71%

Volatility

ASML vs. XLK - Volatility Comparison

ASML Holding N.V. (ASML) has a higher volatility of 17.27% compared to State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLK) at 10.86%. This indicates that ASML's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than XLK based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ASML	XLK	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	17.27%	10.86%	+6.41%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	34.58%	18.92%	+15.66%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	42.75%	22.55%	+20.20%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	42.44%	25.18%	+17.26%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	38.72%	24.64%	+14.08%

Dividends

ASML vs. XLK - Dividend Comparison

ASML's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.47%, more than XLK's 0.41% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ASML ASML Holding N.V.	0.47%	0.97%	0.97%	0.86%	1.27%	0.50%	0.50%	1.40%	0.94%	0.64%	0.92%	0.73%
XLK State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF	0.41%	0.54%	0.66%	0.76%	1.04%	0.65%	0.92%	1.16%	1.60%	1.37%	1.74%	1.79%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ASML and XLK in my portfolio?

ASML and XLK have a correlation of 0.62, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, ASML or XLK?

ASML has higher volatility (17.27%) compared to XLK (10.86%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ASML dropped -90.00% vs XLK's -82.05%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ASML currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.27 vs 2.37), 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.