DVXF vs. XLF

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

DVXF (WEBs Financial XLF Defined Volatility ETF) and XLF (State Street Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF) are both Financials Equities funds - DVXF tracks the Syntax Defined Volatility XLF Index while XLF tracks the Financial Select Sector Index. Both are passively managed. With a 1.00 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. DVXF charges 0.89%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for XLF.

Performance

DVXF vs. XLF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in WEBs Financial XLF Defined Volatility ETF (DVXF) and State Street Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLF). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DVXF achieves a 5.86% return, which is significantly higher than XLF's 4.51% return.

DVXF

• 1D: 0.54%
• 1M: 8.88%
• 6M: 7.94%
• YTD: 5.86%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

XLF

• 1D: 0.34%
• 1M: 4.78%
• 6M: 5.28%
• YTD: 4.51%
• 1Y: 10.81%
• 3Y*: 19.83%
• 5Y*: 11.37%
• 10Y*: 13.55%

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

DVXF vs. XLF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
DVXF WEBs Financial XLF Defined Volatility ETF	5.86%	5.63%
XLF State Street Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF	4.51%	4.67%

Correlation

The correlation between DVXF and XLF is 1.00 - 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 23, 2025	1.00

Return for Risk

DVXF vs. XLF — Risk / Return Rank

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

DVXF

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

XLF

XLF Risk / Return Rank: 22
XLF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 25
XLF Sortino Ratio Rank: 23
XLF Omega Ratio Rank: 23
XLF Calmar Ratio Rank: 20
XLF Martin Ratio Rank: 20

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.

DVXF vs. XLF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for WEBs Financial XLF Defined Volatility ETF (DVXF) and State Street Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLF). 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.

	DVXF	XLF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	0.74	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	1.09	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.14	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	0.73	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	1.86	—

Drawdowns

DVXF vs. XLF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DVXF drawdown since its inception was -26.68%, smaller than the maximum XLF drawdown of -82.69%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DVXF and XLF.

Drawdown Indicators

	DVXF	XLF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-26.68%	-82.69%	+56.01%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-14.79%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-15.54%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-25.81%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-42.86%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.14%	-19.95%	+10.81%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	5.81%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	DVXF	XLF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	4.13%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	11.24%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	27.94%	14.64%	+13.30%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	27.94%	18.52%	+9.42%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	27.94%	22.06%	+5.88%

DVXF vs. XLF - Expense Ratio Comparison

DVXF has a 0.89% expense ratio, which is higher than XLF's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

DVXF vs. XLF - Dividend Comparison

DVXF has not paid dividends to shareholders, while XLF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.42%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DVXF WEBs Financial XLF 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%
XLF State Street Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF	1.42%	1.31%	1.42%	1.71%	2.04%	1.63%	2.03%	1.87%	2.08%	1.48%	21.10%	1.95%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DVXF and XLF in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 1.00, DVXF and XLF 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, DVXF or XLF?

On fees, XLF 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, DVXF or XLF?

XLF is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.89% for DVXF.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DVXF or XLF?

XLF has the higher dividend yield at 1.42%, compared with 0.00% for DVXF.

What is the main difference between DVXF and XLF?

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