DIV vs. XLU

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

DIV (Global X SuperDividend U.S. ETF) and XLU (State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DIV is a Mid Cap Value Equities fund tracking the Indxx SuperDividend® U.S. Low Volatility Index, while XLU is a Utilities Equities fund tracking the Utilities Select Sector Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, DIV returned 4.30%/yr vs 9.20%/yr for XLU. A 0.56 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DIV charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for XLU.

Performance

DIV vs. XLU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X SuperDividend U.S. ETF (DIV) 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, DIV achieves a 14.48% return, which is significantly higher than XLU's 5.04% return. Over the past 10 years, DIV has underperformed XLU with an annualized return of 4.30%, while XLU has yielded a comparatively higher 9.20% annualized return.

DIV

• 1D: 0.68%
• 1M: 0.97%
• YTD: 14.48%
• 6M: 13.33%
• 1Y: 16.51%
• 3Y*: 11.89%
• 5Y*: 5.31%
• 10Y*: 4.30%

XLU

• 1D: 1.09%
• 1M: -0.82%
• YTD: 5.04%
• 6M: 5.48%
• 1Y: 12.50%
• 3Y*: 13.79%
• 5Y*: 9.41%
• 10Y*: 9.20%

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

DIV vs. XLU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DIV Global X SuperDividend U.S. ETF	14.48%	3.10%	11.27%	-1.73%	-3.92%	30.60%	-22.85%	14.50%	-6.60%	9.90%
XLU State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF	5.04%	16.03%	23.31%	-7.18%	1.44%	17.70%	0.51%	25.93%	3.94%	12.05%

Correlation

The correlation between DIV and XLU is 0.43, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.43
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.54
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.58
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.53
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 12, 2013	0.56

The correlation between DIV and XLU shifts across timeframes, from 0.43 (1 year) to 0.58 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

DIV vs. XLU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DIV	XLU
Energy	23.5%	-
Real Estate	20.2%	-
Utilities	12.1%	100.0%
Industrials	11.7%	-
Consumer Defensive	10.7%	-
Communication Services	6.1%	-
Basic Materials	4.5%	-
Financial Services	3.8%	-
Consumer Cyclical	3.7%	-
Healthcare	3.5%	-
Technology	-	-

Return for Risk

DIV vs. XLU — Risk / Return Rank

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

DIV

DIV Risk / Return Rank: 54
DIV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 51
DIV Sortino Ratio Rank: 51
DIV Omega Ratio Rank: 46
DIV Calmar Ratio Rank: 69
DIV Martin Ratio Rank: 55

XLU

XLU Risk / Return Rank: 26
XLU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 26
XLU Sortino Ratio Rank: 24
XLU Omega Ratio Rank: 24
XLU Calmar Ratio Rank: 30
XLU 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.

DIV vs. XLU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X SuperDividend U.S. ETF (DIV) 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.

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.

	DIV	XLU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.53	0.81	+0.72
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.20	1.18	+1.02
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.15	+0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.02	1.30	+1.73
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.43	2.80	+5.63

DIV vs. XLU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DIV Sharpe Ratio is 1.53, which is higher than the XLU Sharpe Ratio of 0.81. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DIV 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.

Drawdowns

DIV vs. XLU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DIV drawdown since its inception was -52.74%, roughly equal to the maximum XLU drawdown of -51.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DIV and XLU.

Drawdown Indicators

	DIV	XLU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-52.74%	-51.98%	-0.76%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.23%	-9.18%	+3.95%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.33%	-17.26%	+4.93%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-21.14%	-25.26%	+4.12%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-52.74%	-36.07%	-16.67%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.73%	-6.05%	+5.32%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.01%	-10.22%	+3.21%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.88%	4.25%	-2.37%

Volatility

DIV vs. XLU - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Global X SuperDividend U.S. ETF (DIV) is 3.07%, while State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLU) has a volatility of 5.59%. This indicates that DIV experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than XLU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DIV	XLU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.07%	5.59%	-2.52%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.08%	11.68%	-4.60%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.32%	14.66%	-4.34%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.69%	17.34%	-3.65%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.98%	19.27%	-1.29%

DIV vs. XLU - Expense Ratio Comparison

DIV has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is higher than XLU's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

DIV vs. XLU - Dividend Comparison

DIV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.61%, more than XLU's 2.67% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DIV Global X SuperDividend U.S. ETF	6.61%	7.30%	5.74%	7.13%	6.62%	5.24%	8.01%	7.65%	7.08%	5.92%	6.78%	8.44%
XLU State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF	2.67%	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 DIV and XLU in my portfolio?

DIV and XLU have a correlation of 0.43, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DIV or XLU?

XLU has higher volatility (5.59%) compared to DIV (3.07%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DIV dropped -52.74% vs XLU's -51.98%.

Which ETF is better, DIV or XLU?

On 10-year performance, XLU leads with 9.20% vs 4.30% for DIV. On fees, XLU is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, DIV has been the lower-risk option at 3.07%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DIV or XLU?

Over the 10-year period, XLU has performed better with a 9.20% return vs 4.30%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DIV or XLU?

XLU is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.45% for DIV.

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

DIV has the higher dividend yield at 6.61%, compared with 2.67% for XLU.

What is the main difference between DIV and XLU?

DIV is categorized as Mid Cap Value Equities, while XLU is Utilities Equities. DIV tracks Indxx SuperDividend® U.S. Low Volatility Index, while XLU tracks Utilities Select Sector Index. They also come from different issuers: Global X and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for DIV and 0.08% for XLU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DIV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.53 vs 0.81), 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.