ELFY vs. XLU

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

ELFY (ALPS Electrification Infrastructure ETF) and XLU (State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF) are both Utilities Equities funds - ELFY tracks the Ladenburg Thalmann Electrification Infrastructure Index while XLU tracks the Utilities Select Sector Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, ELFY returned 44.09% vs 14.05% for XLU. A 0.56 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. ELFY charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for XLU.

Performance

ELFY vs. XLU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ALPS Electrification Infrastructure ETF (ELFY) 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, ELFY achieves a 26.69% return, which is significantly higher than XLU's 6.99% return.

ELFY

• 1D: -2.50%
• 1M: 0.43%
• YTD: 26.69%
• 6M: 24.89%
• 1Y: 44.09%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

XLU

• 1D: 0.78%
• 1M: 0.02%
• YTD: 6.99%
• 6M: 7.17%
• 1Y: 14.05%
• 3Y*: 14.90%
• 5Y*: 10.60%
• 10Y*: 9.35%

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

ELFY vs. XLU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
ELFY ALPS Electrification Infrastructure ETF	26.69%	34.72%
XLU State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF	6.99%	14.78%

Correlation

The correlation between ELFY and XLU is 0.54, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.54
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 10, 2025	0.56

The correlation between ELFY and XLU has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.54 to 0.56 - a consistent structural relationship.

ELFY vs. XLU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ELFY	XLU
Utilities	36.8%	100.0%
Industrials	27.5%	-
Energy	15.8%	-
Technology	13.3%	-
Basic Materials	5.3%	-
Consumer Cyclical	0.9%	-
Financial Services	0.4%	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

ELFY vs. XLU — Risk / Return Rank

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

ELFY

ELFY Risk / Return Rank: 76
ELFY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 74
ELFY Sortino Ratio Rank: 68
ELFY Omega Ratio Rank: 67
ELFY Calmar Ratio Rank: 90
ELFY Martin Ratio Rank: 83

XLU

XLU Risk / Return Rank: 27
XLU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 28
XLU Sortino Ratio Rank: 25
XLU Omega Ratio Rank: 25
XLU Calmar Ratio Rank: 32
XLU Martin Ratio Rank: 26

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.

ELFY vs. XLU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ALPS Electrification Infrastructure ETF (ELFY) 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.

	ELFY	XLU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.24	0.96	+1.28
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.94	1.37	+1.58
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.17	+0.20
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.29	1.54	+3.76
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	15.96	3.26	+12.70

ELFY vs. XLU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ELFY Sharpe Ratio is 2.24, which is higher than the XLU Sharpe Ratio of 0.96. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ELFY 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

ELFY vs. XLU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ELFY drawdown since its inception was -8.37%, smaller than the maximum XLU drawdown of -51.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ELFY and XLU.

Drawdown Indicators

	ELFY	XLU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-8.37%	-51.98%	+43.61%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.37%	-9.18%	+0.81%
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	-2.50%	-4.30%	+1.80%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.67%	-10.21%	+8.54%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.77%	4.32%	-1.55%

Volatility

ELFY vs. XLU - Volatility Comparison

ALPS Electrification Infrastructure ETF (ELFY) has a higher volatility of 8.54% compared to State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLU) at 5.21%. This indicates that ELFY's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than XLU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ELFY	XLU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.54%	5.21%	+3.33%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.97%	11.70%	+4.27%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.80%	14.69%	+5.11%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.69%	17.30%	+2.39%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.69%	19.29%	+0.40%

ELFY vs. XLU - Expense Ratio Comparison

ELFY has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is higher than XLU's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

ELFY vs. XLU - Dividend Comparison

ELFY's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.97%, less than XLU's 2.65% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ELFY ALPS Electrification Infrastructure ETF	0.97%	0.76%	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	2.65%	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 ELFY and XLU in my portfolio?

ELFY and XLU have a correlation of 0.54, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, ELFY or XLU?

ELFY has higher volatility (8.54%) compared to XLU (5.21%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ELFY dropped -8.37% vs XLU's -51.98%.

Which ETF is better, ELFY or XLU?

On 1-year performance, ELFY leads with 44.09% vs 14.05% for XLU. On fees, XLU is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, XLU has been the lower-risk option at 5.21%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ELFY or XLU?

Over the 1-year period, ELFY has performed better with a 44.09% return vs 14.05%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ELFY or XLU?

XLU is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for ELFY.

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

XLU has the higher dividend yield at 2.65%, compared with 0.97% for ELFY.

What is the main difference between ELFY and XLU?

ELFY tracks Ladenburg Thalmann Electrification Infrastructure Index, while XLU tracks Utilities Select Sector Index. They also come from different issuers: ALPS and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for ELFY and 0.08% for XLU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ELFY currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.24 vs 0.96), 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.