EDIV vs. XLU

Last updated Aug 4, 2026

EDIV (SPDR S&P Emerging Markets Dividend ETF) and XLU (State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - EDIV is a Emerging Markets Equities fund tracking the S&P Emerging Markets Dividend Opportunities Index, while XLU is a Utilities Equities fund tracking the Utilities Select Sector Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, EDIV returned 7.99%/yr vs 9.15%/yr for XLU. Their 0.29 correlation means their historical movements had little consistent relationship. EDIV charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for XLU.

Performance

EDIV vs. XLU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SPDR S&P Emerging Markets Dividend ETF (EDIV) 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, EDIV achieves a 8.38% return, which is significantly higher than XLU's 5.31% return. Over the past 10 years, EDIV has underperformed XLU with an annualized return of 7.99%, while XLU has yielded a comparatively higher 9.15% annualized return.

EDIV

• 1D: 0.41%
• 1M: 0.90%
• 6M: 2.64%
• YTD: 8.38%
• 1Y: 14.16%
• 3Y*: 16.55%
• 5Y*: 12.01%
• 10Y*: 7.99%
• ALL TIME*: 3.16%

XLU

• 1D: 0.02%
• 1M: -3.06%
• 6M: 5.48%
• YTD: 5.31%
• 1Y: 6.29%
• 3Y*: 14.91%
• 5Y*: 9.09%
• 10Y*: 9.15%
• ALL TIME*: 7.66%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
EDIV SPDR S&P Emerging Markets Dividend ETF	$4.69M	$5.05M	$5.54M
XLU State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF	$861.26M	$820.83M	$918.15M

EDIV vs. XLU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
EDIV SPDR S&P Emerging Markets Dividend ETF	8.38%	16.45%	12.75%	41.91%	-15.31%	11.21%	-9.95%	11.80%	-6.16%	28.20%
XLU State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF	5.31%	16.03%	23.31%	-7.18%	1.44%	17.70%	0.51%	25.93%	3.94%	12.05%

Correlation

The correlation between EDIV and XLU is 0.19, which is low. Their historical price movements had little consistent relationship.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.19
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history.	0.24
Correlation (5Y) Shows whether the relationship held over a longer period.	0.24
Correlation (10Y) Provides a long-term view across more market conditions.	0.22
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 24, 2011	0.29

EDIV vs. XLU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	EDIV	XLU
Financial Services	17.3%	-
Consumer Defensive	9.3%	-
Consumer Cyclical	7.8%	-
Technology	6.4%	-
Industrials	6.2%	-
Communication Services	5.1%	-
Energy	4.0%	-
Real Estate	1.8%	-
Utilities	1.8%	100.0%
Basic Materials	0.8%	-
Healthcare	0.6%	-

Return for Risk

EDIV vs. XLU — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

EDIV

EDIV Risk / Return Rank: 41
EDIV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 43
EDIV Sortino Ratio Rank: 42
EDIV Omega Ratio Rank: 43
EDIV Calmar Ratio Rank: 38
EDIV Martin Ratio Rank: 38

XLU

XLU Risk / Return Rank: 21
XLU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 21
XLU Sortino Ratio Rank: 20
XLU Omega Ratio Rank: 20
XLU Calmar Ratio Rank: 24
XLU Martin Ratio Rank: 21

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

EDIV vs. XLU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR S&P Emerging Markets Dividend ETF (EDIV) 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.

	EDIV	XLU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.10	0.42	+0.68
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.60	0.68	+0.93
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.21	1.08	+0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.37	0.69	+0.69
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.01	1.40	+2.61

EDIV vs. XLU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EDIV Sharpe Ratio is 1.10, which is higher than the XLU Sharpe Ratio of 0.42. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EDIV 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

EDIV vs. XLU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EDIV drawdown since its inception was -53.36%, roughly equal to the maximum XLU drawdown of -51.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EDIV and XLU.

Drawdown Indicators

	EDIV	XLU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-53.36%	-51.98%	-1.38%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.36%	-9.18%	-1.18%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.84%	-13.15%	-0.69%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.32%	-25.26%	-3.06%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-40.76%	-36.07%	-4.69%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.30%	-5.81%	+3.51%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-19.18%	-10.19%	-8.99%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.54%	4.49%	-0.95%

Volatility

EDIV vs. XLU - Volatility Comparison

SPDR S&P Emerging Markets Dividend ETF (EDIV) and State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLU) have volatilities of 4.12% and 3.95%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EDIV	XLU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.12%	3.95%	+0.17%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.07%	12.01%	-0.94%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.94%	15.02%	-2.08%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.96%	17.34%	-3.38%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.31%	19.30%	-1.99%

EDIV vs. XLU - Expense Ratio Comparison

EDIV has a 0.49% expense ratio, which is higher than XLU's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

EDIV vs. XLU - Dividend Comparison

EDIV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.19%, more than XLU's 2.69% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EDIV SPDR S&P Emerging Markets Dividend ETF	4.19%	4.69%	3.94%	4.26%	4.94%	3.84%	3.52%	3.83%	3.41%	2.99%	4.94%	5.33%
XLU State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF	2.69%	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 EDIV and XLU in my portfolio?

EDIV and XLU 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.

Which is riskier, EDIV or XLU?

EDIV has higher volatility (4.12%) compared to XLU (3.95%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EDIV dropped -53.36% vs XLU's -51.98%.

Which ETF is better, EDIV or XLU?

On 10-year performance, XLU leads with 9.15% vs 7.99% for EDIV. On fees, XLU is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, XLU has been the lower-risk option at 3.95%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EDIV or XLU?

Over the 10-year period, XLU has performed better with a 9.15% return vs 7.99%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EDIV or XLU?

XLU is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.49% for EDIV.

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

EDIV has the higher dividend yield at 4.19%, compared with 2.69% for XLU.

What is the main difference between EDIV and XLU?

EDIV is categorized as Emerging Markets Equities, while XLU is Utilities Equities. EDIV tracks S&P Emerging Markets Dividend Opportunities Index, while XLU tracks Utilities Select Sector Index. Their fees differ too: 0.49% for EDIV and 0.08% for XLU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EDIV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.10 vs 0.42), 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.