BUG vs. XLK

Last updated Jul 15, 2026

BUG (Global X Cybersecurity ETF) and XLK (State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF) are both Technology Equities funds - BUG tracks the Indxx Cybersecurity Index while XLK tracks the S&P Technology Select Sector Daily Capped 35/20 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, BUG returned 8.31%/yr vs 20.22%/yr for XLK. A 0.67 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. BUG charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for XLK.

Performance

BUG vs. XLK - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X Cybersecurity ETF (BUG) 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, BUG achieves a 37.85% return, which is significantly higher than XLK's 27.85% return.

BUG

• 1D: 5.93%
• 1M: 23.10%
• 6M: 37.67%
• YTD: 37.85%
• 1Y: 19.40%
• 3Y*: 20.63%
• 5Y*: 8.31%
• 10Y*: —

XLK

• 1D: 1.29%
• 1M: -0.52%
• 6M: 25.66%
• YTD: 27.85%
• 1Y: 44.41%
• 3Y*: 28.63%
• 5Y*: 20.22%
• 10Y*: 24.66%

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

BUG vs. XLK - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
BUG Global X Cybersecurity ETF	37.85%	-5.04%	9.59%	41.40%	-33.63%	13.24%	70.83%	6.21%
XLK State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF	27.85%	24.61%	21.63%	56.02%	-27.73%	34.74%	43.62%	9.85%

Correlation

The correlation between BUG and XLK is 0.49, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.49
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.60
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.67
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 31, 2019	0.67

The correlation between BUG and XLK shifts across timeframes, from 0.49 (1 year) to 0.67 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

BUG vs. XLK - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	BUG	XLK
Technology	100.0%	99.7%
Communication Services	0.0%	-
Consumer Cyclical	0.0%	-
Consumer Defensive	0.0%	-
Healthcare	0.0%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Energy	-	0.2%
Financial Services	-	-
Industrials	-	0.1%
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

BUG vs. XLK — Risk / Return Rank

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

BUG

BUG Risk / Return Rank: 20
BUG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 21
BUG Sortino Ratio Rank: 22
BUG Omega Ratio Rank: 22
BUG Calmar Ratio Rank: 17
BUG Martin Ratio Rank: 16

XLK

XLK Risk / Return Rank: 66
XLK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 72
XLK Sortino Ratio Rank: 63
XLK Omega Ratio Rank: 64
XLK Calmar Ratio Rank: 71
XLK Martin Ratio Rank: 60

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.

BUG vs. XLK - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X Cybersecurity ETF (BUG) 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.

	BUG	XLK	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.60	1.83	-1.23
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.02	2.33	-1.31
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.13	1.31	-0.18
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.55	2.80	-2.25
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.21	8.44	-7.24

BUG vs. XLK - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BUG Sharpe Ratio is 0.60, which is lower than the XLK Sharpe Ratio of 1.83. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BUG 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

BUG vs. XLK - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BUG drawdown since its inception was -41.66%, smaller than the maximum XLK drawdown of -82.05%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BUG and XLK.

Drawdown Indicators

	BUG	XLK	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-41.66%	-82.05%	+40.39%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-35.16%	-15.92%	-19.24%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-37.69%	-25.66%	-12.03%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-41.66%	-33.56%	-8.10%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-33.56%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-7.25%	+7.25%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.29%	-34.84%	+20.55%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	16.11%	5.27%	+10.84%

Volatility

BUG vs. XLK - Volatility Comparison

Global X Cybersecurity ETF (BUG) and State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLK) have volatilities of 10.69% and 10.45%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BUG	XLK	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.69%	10.45%	+0.24%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	27.91%	20.77%	+7.14%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	32.36%	24.41%	+7.95%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	28.92%	25.56%	+3.36%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	29.48%	24.79%	+4.69%

BUG vs. XLK - Expense Ratio Comparison

BUG has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is higher than XLK's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

BUG vs. XLK - Dividend Comparison

BUG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.03%, less than XLK's 0.43% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BUG Global X Cybersecurity ETF	0.03%	0.04%	0.09%	0.10%	1.56%	0.66%	0.46%	0.24%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
XLK State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF	0.43%	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 BUG and XLK in my portfolio?

BUG and XLK have a correlation of 0.49, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BUG or XLK?

BUG has higher volatility (10.69%) compared to XLK (10.45%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BUG dropped -41.66% vs XLK's -82.05%.

Which ETF is better, BUG or XLK?

On 5-year performance, XLK leads with 20.22% vs 8.31% for BUG. On fees, XLK is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, XLK has been the lower-risk option at 10.45%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BUG or XLK?

Over the 5-year period, XLK has performed better with a 20.22% return vs 8.31%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BUG or XLK?

XLK is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for BUG.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BUG or XLK?

XLK has the higher dividend yield at 0.43%, compared with 0.03% for BUG.

What is the main difference between BUG and XLK?

BUG tracks Indxx Cybersecurity Index, while XLK tracks S&P Technology Select Sector Daily Capped 35/20 Index. They also come from different issuers: Global X and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for BUG and 0.08% for XLK.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XLK currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.83 vs 0.60), 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.