DVUT vs. XLU

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DVUT (WEBs Utilities XLU Defined Volatility ETF) and XLU (State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF) are both Utilities Equities funds - DVUT tracks the Syntax Defined Volatility XLU Index while XLU tracks the Utilities Select Sector Index. Both are passively managed. With a 0.99 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. DVUT charges 0.89%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for XLU.

Performance

DVUT vs. XLU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in WEBs Utilities XLU Defined Volatility ETF (DVUT) 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, DVUT achieves a 2.83% return, which is significantly lower than XLU's 3.11% return.

DVUT

• 1D: -0.38%
• 1M: -8.69%
• YTD: 2.83%
• 6M: -0.88%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

XLU

• 1D: -0.43%
• 1M: -5.74%
• YTD: 3.11%
• 6M: 1.25%
• 1Y: 9.11%
• 3Y*: 13.74%
• 5Y*: 9.25%
• 10Y*: 9.15%

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

DVUT vs. XLU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
DVUT WEBs Utilities XLU Defined Volatility ETF	2.83%	2.12%
XLU State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF	3.11%	2.59%

Correlation

The correlation between DVUT and XLU is 0.99 - 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 (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 24, 2025	0.99

Return for Risk

DVUT vs. XLU — Risk / Return Rank

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

XLU

XLU Risk / Return Rank: 19
XLU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 19
XLU Sortino Ratio Rank: 18
XLU Omega Ratio Rank: 18
XLU Calmar Ratio Rank: 22
XLU Martin Ratio Rank: 19

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.

DVUT vs. XLU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for WEBs Utilities XLU Defined Volatility ETF (DVUT) 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	DVUT	XLU	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	0.63	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.54	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.48	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.22	0.40	-0.18

Drawdowns

DVUT vs. XLU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DVUT drawdown since its inception was -18.27%, smaller than the maximum XLU drawdown of -51.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DVUT and XLU.

Drawdown Indicators

	DVUT	XLU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-18.27%	-51.98%	+33.71%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-9.18%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-17.26%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-25.26%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-36.07%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-13.96%	-7.78%	-6.18%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.63%	-10.22%	+2.59%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	4.09%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	DVUT	XLU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	5.41%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	11.53%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	26.67%	14.57%	+12.10%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	26.67%	17.32%	+9.35%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	26.67%	19.26%	+7.41%

DVUT vs. XLU - Expense Ratio Comparison

DVUT has a 0.89% expense ratio, which is higher than XLU's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

DVUT vs. XLU - Dividend Comparison

DVUT has not paid dividends to shareholders, while XLU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.72%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DVUT WEBs Utilities XLU Defined Volatility ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
XLU State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF	2.72%	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 DVUT and XLU in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.99, DVUT and XLU 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 ETF is better, DVUT or XLU?

On fees, XLU is cheaper at 0.08% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, DVUT or XLU?

XLU is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.89% for DVUT.

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

XLU has the higher dividend yield at 2.72%, compared with 0.00% for DVUT.

What is the main difference between DVUT and XLU?

DVUT tracks Syntax Defined Volatility XLU Index, while XLU tracks Utilities Select Sector Index. They also come from different issuers: WEBs and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.89% for DVUT and 0.08% for XLU.