EDIV vs. XLU

Last updated Jun 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 9.16%/yr vs 9.15%/yr for XLU. At a 0.30 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. 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 6.42% return, which is significantly higher than XLU's 3.11% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with EDIV having a 9.16% annualized return and XLU not far behind at 9.15%.

EDIV

• 1D: -1.27%
• 1M: 2.48%
• YTD: 6.42%
• 6M: 7.80%
• 1Y: 14.08%
• 3Y*: 19.05%
• 5Y*: 10.66%
• 10Y*: 9.16%

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)

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	6.42%	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	3.11%	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 0.21, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.21
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.26
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.24
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.22
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 25, 2011	0.30

EDIV vs. XLU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	EDIV	XLU
Financial Services	29.7%	-
Communication Services	13.8%	-
Consumer Defensive	12.8%	-
Consumer Cyclical	11.8%	-
Industrials	9.7%	-
Technology	8.4%	-
Real Estate	5.1%	-
Energy	3.2%	-
Utilities	2.5%	100.0%
Basic Materials	1.7%	-
Healthcare	1.3%	-

Return for Risk

EDIV vs. XLU — Risk / Return Rank

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

EDIV

EDIV Risk / Return Rank: 30
EDIV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 31
EDIV Sortino Ratio Rank: 31
EDIV Omega Ratio Rank: 31
EDIV Calmar Ratio Rank: 28
EDIV Martin Ratio Rank: 29

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.

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.

	EDIV	XLU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.16	0.63	+0.53
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.70	0.94	+0.76
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	1.12	+0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.37	1.00	+0.37
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.23	2.24	+1.99
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

EDIV vs. XLU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EDIV Sharpe Ratio is 1.16, which is higher than the XLU Sharpe Ratio of 0.63. 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	EDIV	XLU	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.16	0.63	+0.53
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.78	0.54	+0.24
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.53	0.48	+0.05
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.17	0.40	-0.23

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%	-17.26%	+3.42%
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	-4.07%	-7.78%	+3.71%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-19.36%	-10.22%	-9.14%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.34%	4.09%	-0.75%

Volatility

EDIV vs. XLU - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for SPDR S&P Emerging Markets Dividend ETF (EDIV) is 4.11%, while State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLU) has a volatility of 5.41%. This indicates that EDIV 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

	EDIV	XLU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.11%	5.41%	-1.30%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.03%	11.53%	-1.50%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.19%	14.57%	-2.38%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.83%	17.32%	-3.49%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.49%	19.26%	-1.77%

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 4.50%, more than XLU's 2.72% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EDIV SPDR S&P Emerging Markets Dividend ETF	4.50%	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	2.72%	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 EDIV and XLU in my portfolio?

EDIV and XLU have a correlation of 0.21, 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?

XLU has higher volatility (5.41%) compared to EDIV (4.11%). 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, EDIV leads with 9.16% vs 9.15% for XLU. On fees, XLU is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, EDIV has been the lower-risk option at 4.11%. 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, EDIV has performed better with a 9.16% return vs 9.15%. 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 4.50%, compared with 2.72% 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 (1.16 vs 0.63), 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.