CNYA vs. XLU

Last updated Jun 9, 2026

CNYA (iShares MSCI China A ETF) and XLU (State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - CNYA is a China Equities fund tracking the MSCI China A Inclusion Index, while XLU is a Utilities Equities fund tracking the Utilities Select Sector Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, CNYA returned -1.67%/yr vs 9.10%/yr for XLU. At a 0.08 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. CNYA charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for XLU.

Performance

CNYA vs. XLU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI China A ETF (CNYA) and State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, CNYA achieves a 4.11% return, which is significantly higher than XLU's 2.66% return.

CNYA

• 1D: -0.99%
• 1M: -4.23%
• YTD: 4.11%
• 6M: 6.49%
• 1Y: 30.18%
• 3Y*: 9.91%
• 5Y*: -1.67%
• 10Y*: —

XLU

• 1D: -1.87%
• 1M: -2.68%
• YTD: 2.66%
• 6M: 3.35%
• 1Y: 10.26%
• 3Y*: 12.85%
• 5Y*: 9.10%
• 10Y*: 8.99%

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

CNYA vs. XLU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
CNYA iShares MSCI China A ETF	4.11%	26.48%	10.78%	-13.76%	-26.51%	3.53%	41.54%	35.95%	-26.56%	30.99%
XLU State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF	2.66%	16.03%	23.31%	-7.18%	1.44%	17.70%	0.51%	25.93%	3.94%	12.05%

Correlation

The correlation between CNYA and XLU is 0.09, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.09
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.08
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.08
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 15, 2016	0.08

CNYA vs. XLU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	CNYA	XLU
Technology	30.0%	-
Industrials	18.3%	-
Financial Services	17.0%	-
Basic Materials	10.6%	-
Consumer Defensive	6.7%	-
Consumer Cyclical	5.7%	-
Healthcare	3.8%	-
Energy	3.2%	-
Utilities	3.2%	100.0%
Real Estate	0.7%	-
Communication Services	0.6%	-

Return for Risk

CNYA vs. XLU — Risk / Return Rank

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

CNYA

CNYA Risk / Return Rank: 64
CNYA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 56
CNYA Sortino Ratio Rank: 55
CNYA Omega Ratio Rank: 56
CNYA Calmar Ratio Rank: 82
CNYA Martin Ratio Rank: 69

XLU

XLU Risk / Return Rank: 22
XLU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 22
XLU Sortino Ratio Rank: 21
XLU Omega Ratio Rank: 21
XLU Calmar Ratio Rank: 26
XLU Martin Ratio Rank: 21

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.

CNYA vs. XLU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI China A ETF (CNYA) and State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLU). 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.

	CNYA	XLU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.71	0.71	+1.01
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.39	1.04	+1.35
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.13	+0.18
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.99	1.12	+2.87
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.48	2.47	+9.00
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

CNYA vs. XLU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CNYA Sharpe Ratio is 1.71, which is higher than the XLU Sharpe Ratio of 0.71. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CNYA and XLU, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	CNYA	XLU	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.71	0.71	+1.01
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	-0.07	0.53	-0.60
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.47	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.25	0.40	-0.14

Drawdowns

CNYA vs. XLU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CNYA drawdown since its inception was -49.49%, roughly equal to the maximum XLU drawdown of -51.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CNYA and XLU.

Drawdown Indicators

	CNYA	XLU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-49.49%	-51.98%	+2.49%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.59%	-9.18%	+1.59%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-33.35%	-17.26%	-16.09%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-44.65%	-25.26%	-19.39%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-36.07%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-17.53%	-8.18%	-9.35%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-20.68%	-10.22%	-10.46%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.64%	4.16%	-1.52%

Volatility

CNYA vs. XLU - Volatility Comparison

iShares MSCI China A ETF (CNYA) has a higher volatility of 6.87% compared to State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLU) at 5.60%. This indicates that CNYA's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than XLU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	CNYA	XLU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.87%	5.60%	+1.27%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.79%	11.70%	+1.09%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.73%	14.64%	+3.09%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	23.85%	17.34%	+6.51%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.57%	19.27%	+4.30%

CNYA vs. XLU - Expense Ratio Comparison

CNYA has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is higher than XLU's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

CNYA vs. XLU - Dividend Comparison

CNYA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.84%, less than XLU's 2.73% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
CNYA iShares MSCI China A ETF	1.84%	1.92%	2.51%	4.23%	2.69%	1.11%	1.06%	1.21%	3.92%	0.97%	1.38%	0.00%
XLU State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF	2.73%	2.71%	2.96%	3.39%	2.92%	2.79%	3.14%	2.95%	3.33%	3.33%	3.41%	3.67%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CNYA and XLU in my portfolio?

CNYA and XLU have a correlation of 0.09, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, CNYA or XLU?

CNYA has higher volatility (6.87%) compared to XLU (5.60%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CNYA dropped -49.49% vs XLU's -51.98%.

Which ETF is better, CNYA or XLU?

On 5-year performance, XLU leads with 9.10% vs -1.67% for CNYA. On fees, XLU is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, XLU has been the lower-risk option at 5.60%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, CNYA or XLU?

Over the 5-year period, XLU has performed better with a 9.10% return vs -1.67%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, CNYA or XLU?

XLU is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for CNYA.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, CNYA or XLU?

XLU has the higher dividend yield at 2.73%, compared with 1.84% for CNYA.

What is the main difference between CNYA and XLU?

CNYA is categorized as China Equities, while XLU is Utilities Equities. CNYA tracks MSCI China A Inclusion Index, while XLU tracks Utilities Select Sector Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for CNYA and 0.08% for XLU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

CNYA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.71 vs 0.70), 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.