DRLL vs. XLE

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

DRLL (Strive U.S. Energy ETF) and XLE (State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF) are both Energy Equities funds - DRLL tracks the Bloomberg US Energy Select Index while XLE tracks the Energy Select Sector Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, DRLL returned 12.27%/yr vs 15.44%/yr for XLE. With a 0.98 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. DRLL charges 0.41%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for XLE.

Performance

DRLL vs. XLE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Strive U.S. Energy ETF (DRLL) and State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DRLL achieves a 20.68% return, which is significantly lower than XLE's 22.58% return.

DRLL

• 1D: 1.39%
• 1M: -8.33%
• YTD: 20.68%
• 6M: 21.93%
• 1Y: 22.10%
• 3Y*: 12.27%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

XLE

• 1D: 1.26%
• 1M: -8.47%
• YTD: 22.58%
• 6M: 23.97%
• 1Y: 26.32%
• 3Y*: 15.44%
• 5Y*: 18.90%
• 10Y*: 9.29%

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

DRLL vs. XLE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
DRLL Strive U.S. Energy ETF	20.68%	7.74%	0.02%	-1.84%	15.52%
XLE State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF	22.58%	7.88%	5.56%	-0.63%	21.61%

Correlation

The correlation between DRLL and XLE is 0.98 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.98
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.98
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 9, 2022	0.98

The correlation between DRLL and XLE has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.98 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.

DRLL vs. XLE - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DRLL	XLE
Energy	99.2%	100.0%
Consumer Cyclical	0.8%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

DRLL vs. XLE — Risk / Return Rank

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

DRLL

DRLL Risk / Return Rank: 27
DRLL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 28
DRLL Sortino Ratio Rank: 26
DRLL Omega Ratio Rank: 25
DRLL Calmar Ratio Rank: 28
DRLL Martin Ratio Rank: 30

XLE

XLE Risk / Return Rank: 36
XLE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 36
XLE Sortino Ratio Rank: 34
XLE Omega Ratio Rank: 32
XLE Calmar Ratio Rank: 39
XLE Martin Ratio Rank: 38

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.

DRLL vs. XLE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Strive U.S. Energy ETF (DRLL) and State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE). 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.

	DRLL	XLE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.97	1.26	-0.29
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.39	1.75	-0.36
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.17	1.21	-0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.33	1.88	-0.55
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.99	5.70	-1.71

DRLL vs. XLE - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DRLL Sharpe Ratio is 0.97, which is comparable to the XLE Sharpe Ratio of 1.26. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DRLL and XLE, 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

DRLL vs. XLE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DRLL drawdown since its inception was -23.73%, smaller than the maximum XLE drawdown of -71.26%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DRLL and XLE.

Drawdown Indicators

	DRLL	XLE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-23.73%	-71.26%	+47.53%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.66%	-14.05%	-2.61%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.73%	-20.14%	-3.59%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-26.04%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-66.81%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-15.51%	-12.96%	-2.55%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.06%	-17.97%	+9.91%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.60%	4.66%	+0.94%

Volatility

DRLL vs. XLE - Volatility Comparison

Strive U.S. Energy ETF (DRLL) has a higher volatility of 7.94% compared to State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE) at 7.06%. This indicates that DRLL's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than XLE based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DRLL	XLE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.94%	7.06%	+0.88%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.53%	16.89%	+1.64%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	22.82%	20.96%	+1.86%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	23.83%	25.98%	-2.15%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.83%	29.62%	-5.79%

DRLL vs. XLE - Expense Ratio Comparison

DRLL has a 0.41% expense ratio, which is higher than XLE's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

DRLL vs. XLE - Dividend Comparison

DRLL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.54%, less than XLE's 3.47% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DRLL Strive U.S. Energy ETF	2.54%	2.99%	3.00%	3.01%	1.18%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
XLE State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF	3.47%	3.28%	3.36%	3.55%	3.68%	4.21%	5.62%	6.72%	3.54%	3.03%	2.26%	3.39%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DRLL and XLE in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.98, DRLL and XLE move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, DRLL or XLE?

DRLL has higher volatility (7.94%) compared to XLE (7.06%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DRLL dropped -23.73% vs XLE's -71.26%.

Which ETF is better, DRLL or XLE?

On 3-year performance, XLE leads with 15.44% vs 12.27% for DRLL. On fees, XLE is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, XLE has been the lower-risk option at 7.06%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DRLL or XLE?

Over the 3-year period, XLE has performed better with a 15.44% return vs 12.27%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DRLL or XLE?

XLE is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.41% for DRLL.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DRLL or XLE?

XLE has the higher dividend yield at 3.47%, compared with 2.54% for DRLL.

What is the main difference between DRLL and XLE?

DRLL tracks Bloomberg US Energy Select Index, while XLE tracks Energy Select Sector Index. They also come from different issuers: Strive and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.41% for DRLL and 0.08% for XLE.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XLE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.26 vs 0.97), 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.