CVS vs. XLB
CVS (CVS Health Corporation) is a stock, while XLB (Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF) is Materials fund tracking the Materials Select Sector Index. Over the past 10 years, CVS returned 3.94%/yr vs 10.60%/yr for XLB. At a 0.38 correlation, their price movements are largely independent.
Performance
CVS vs. XLB - Performance Comparison
Loading charts...
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, CVS achieves a 29.83% return, which is significantly higher than XLB's 14.76% return. Over the past 10 years, CVS has underperformed XLB with an annualized return of 3.94%, while XLB has yielded a comparatively higher 10.60% annualized return.
CVS
- 1D
- 3.03%
- 1M
- 8.62%
- YTD
- 29.83%
- 6M
- 31.48%
- 1Y
- 57.74%
- 3Y*
- 17.81%
- 5Y*
- 7.38%
- 10Y*
- 3.94%
XLB
- 1D
- 0.01%
- 1M
- 3.03%
- YTD
- 14.76%
- 6M
- 13.96%
- 1Y
- 22.26%
- 3Y*
- 11.14%
- 5Y*
- 6.85%
- 10Y*
- 10.60%
CVS vs. XLB - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
CVS CVS Health Corporation | 29.83% | 84.35% | -40.77% | -12.53% | -7.63% | 54.87% | -5.14% | 17.26% | -7.04% | -5.75% |
XLB Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF | 14.76% | 9.94% | 0.15% | 12.46% | -12.30% | 27.44% | 20.46% | 24.13% | -14.88% | 24.01% |
Correlation
The correlation between CVS and XLB is 0.19, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 0.19 |
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period | 0.27 |
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.34 |
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.38 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 22, 1998 | 0.38 |
The correlation between CVS and XLB shifts across timeframes, from 0.19 (1 year) to 0.38 (10 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
Return for Risk
CVS vs. XLB — Risk / Return Rank
CVS
XLB
CVS vs. XLB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for CVS Health Corporation (CVS) and Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLB). 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.
| CVS | XLB | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | +0.58 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | +0.41 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.34 | 1.22 | +0.12 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 3.53 | 1.81 | +1.72 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 9.08 | 5.51 | +3.56 |
Loading charts...
Drawdowns
CVS vs. XLB - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum CVS drawdown since its inception was -64.07%, which is greater than XLB's maximum drawdown of -59.83%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CVS and XLB.
Loading charts...
Drawdown Indicators
| CVS | XLB | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -64.07% | -59.83% | -4.24% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -16.44% | -12.38% | -4.06% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -43.98% | -23.17% | -20.81% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -56.79% | -24.72% | -32.07% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -56.79% | -37.27% | -19.52% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -0.65% | -2.94% | +2.29% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -19.53% | -10.82% | -8.71% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 6.38% | 4.05% | +2.33% |
Volatility
CVS vs. XLB - Volatility Comparison
CVS Health Corporation (CVS) has a higher volatility of 7.77% compared to Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLB) at 5.94%. This indicates that CVS's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than XLB based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
Loading charts...
Volatility by Period
| CVS | XLB | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 7.77% | 5.94% | +1.83% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 25.91% | 13.55% | +12.36% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 31.27% | 17.48% | +13.79% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 30.01% | 19.01% | +11.00% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 29.34% | 20.71% | +8.63% |
Dividends
CVS vs. XLB - Dividend Comparison
CVS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.63%, more than XLB's 2.07% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
CVS CVS Health Corporation | 2.63% | 3.35% | 5.93% | 3.06% | 2.36% | 1.94% | 2.93% | 2.69% | 3.05% | 2.76% | 2.15% | 1.43% |
XLB Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF | 2.07% | 1.92% | 1.92% | 2.00% | 2.26% | 1.62% | 1.72% | 1.98% | 2.20% | 1.66% | 1.95% | 2.24% |
Frequently Asked Questions
CVS and XLB have a correlation of 0.19, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
CVS has higher volatility (7.77%) compared to XLB (5.94%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CVS dropped -64.07% vs XLB's -59.83%.
CVS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.86 vs 1.28), 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.
Find the right allocation for CVS and XLB
Add both to a portfolio and optimize allocations for your target — whether that's maximizing returns, minimizing drawdowns, or balancing risk across holdings.
Open Portfolio Optimizer