EPI vs. XLU

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

EPI (WisdomTree India Earnings Fund) and XLU (State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - EPI is a Emerging Markets Equities fund tracking the WisdomTree India Earnings Index, while XLU is a Utilities Equities fund tracking the Utilities Select Sector Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, EPI returned 9.31%/yr vs 9.20%/yr for XLU. At a 0.32 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. EPI charges 0.84%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for XLU.

Performance

EPI vs. XLU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in WisdomTree India Earnings Fund (EPI) 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, EPI achieves a -9.12% return, which is significantly lower than XLU's 5.04% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with EPI having a 9.31% annualized return and XLU not far behind at 9.20%.

EPI

• 1D: 0.65%
• 1M: -0.99%
• YTD: -9.12%
• 6M: -6.55%
• 1Y: -9.08%
• 3Y*: 7.36%
• 5Y*: 5.53%
• 10Y*: 9.31%

XLU

• 1D: 1.09%
• 1M: -0.82%
• YTD: 5.04%
• 6M: 5.48%
• 1Y: 12.50%
• 3Y*: 13.79%
• 5Y*: 9.41%
• 10Y*: 9.20%

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

EPI vs. XLU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
EPI WisdomTree India Earnings Fund	-9.12%	2.25%	10.70%	26.03%	-4.74%	26.41%	18.55%	1.53%	-9.88%	39.14%
XLU State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF	5.04%	16.03%	23.31%	-7.18%	1.44%	17.70%	0.51%	25.93%	3.94%	12.05%

Correlation

The correlation between EPI and XLU is 0.12, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.12
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.18
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.22
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.20
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 26, 2008	0.32

The correlation between EPI and XLU shifts across timeframes, from 0.12 (1 year) to 0.32 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

EPI vs. XLU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	EPI	XLU
Financial Services	23.2%	-
Energy	16.4%	-
Basic Materials	14.2%	-
Industrials	9.9%	-
Technology	8.3%	-
Utilities	8.3%	100.0%
Consumer Cyclical	7.6%	-
Healthcare	5.8%	-
Consumer Defensive	3.5%	-
Communication Services	2.0%	-
Real Estate	0.9%	-

Return for Risk

EPI vs. XLU — Risk / Return Rank

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

EPI

EPI Risk / Return Rank: 4
EPI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 4
EPI Sortino Ratio Rank: 4
EPI Omega Ratio Rank: 4
EPI Calmar Ratio Rank: 5
EPI Martin Ratio Rank: 2

XLU

XLU Risk / Return Rank: 26
XLU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 26
XLU Sortino Ratio Rank: 24
XLU Omega Ratio Rank: 24
XLU Calmar Ratio Rank: 30
XLU Martin Ratio Rank: 24

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.

EPI vs. XLU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for WisdomTree India Earnings Fund (EPI) 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.

	EPI	XLU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.69	0.81	-1.50
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.90	1.18	-2.09
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.90	1.15	-0.25
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.61	1.30	-1.91
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.44	2.80	-4.24

EPI vs. XLU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EPI Sharpe Ratio is -0.69, which is lower than the XLU Sharpe Ratio of 0.81. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EPI 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

EPI vs. XLU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EPI drawdown since its inception was -66.21%, which is greater than XLU's maximum drawdown of -51.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EPI and XLU.

Drawdown Indicators

	EPI	XLU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-66.21%	-51.98%	-14.23%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.88%	-9.18%	-7.70%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-21.89%	-17.26%	-4.63%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-21.89%	-25.26%	+3.37%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-50.29%	-36.07%	-14.22%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-17.00%	-6.05%	-10.95%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-18.65%	-10.22%	-8.43%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	7.17%	4.25%	+2.92%

Volatility

EPI vs. XLU - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for WisdomTree India Earnings Fund (EPI) is 4.09%, while State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLU) has a volatility of 5.59%. This indicates that EPI 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

	EPI	XLU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.09%	5.59%	-1.50%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.88%	11.68%	+1.20%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.07%	14.66%	+0.41%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.23%	17.34%	-1.11%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.35%	19.27%	+1.08%

EPI vs. XLU - Expense Ratio Comparison

EPI has a 0.84% expense ratio, which is higher than XLU's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

EPI vs. XLU - Dividend Comparison

EPI has not paid dividends to shareholders, while XLU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.67%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EPI WisdomTree India Earnings Fund	0.00%	0.00%	0.27%	0.15%	6.01%	1.18%	0.78%	1.17%	1.18%	0.85%	1.05%	1.20%
XLU State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF	2.67%	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 EPI and XLU in my portfolio?

EPI and XLU have a correlation of 0.12, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, EPI or XLU?

XLU has higher volatility (5.59%) compared to EPI (4.09%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EPI dropped -66.21% vs XLU's -51.98%.

Which ETF is better, EPI or XLU?

On 10-year performance, EPI leads with 9.31% vs 9.20% for XLU. On fees, XLU is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, EPI has been the lower-risk option at 4.09%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EPI or XLU?

Over the 10-year period, EPI has performed better with a 9.31% return vs 9.20%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EPI or XLU?

XLU is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.84% for EPI.

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

XLU has the higher dividend yield at 2.67%, compared with 0.00% for EPI.

What is the main difference between EPI and XLU?

EPI is categorized as Emerging Markets Equities, while XLU is Utilities Equities. EPI tracks WisdomTree India Earnings Index, while XLU tracks Utilities Select Sector Index. They also come from different issuers: WisdomTree and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.84% for EPI and 0.08% for XLU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XLU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.81 vs -0.69), 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.