EPU vs. XLE

Last updated Jun 16, 2026

EPU (iShares MSCI Peru ETF) and XLE (State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - EPU is a Mid Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the MSCI All Peru Capped Index, while XLE is a Energy Equities fund tracking the Energy Select Sector Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, EPU returned 15.10%/yr vs 9.49%/yr for XLE. At a 0.46 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. EPU charges 0.59%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for XLE.

Performance

EPU vs. XLE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI Peru ETF (EPU) and State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, EPU achieves a 22.98% return, which is significantly lower than XLE's 25.06% return. Over the past 10 years, EPU has outperformed XLE with an annualized return of 15.10%, while XLE has yielded a comparatively lower 9.49% annualized return.

EPU

• 1D: 1.62%
• 1M: 11.20%
• YTD: 22.98%
• 6M: 29.01%
• 1Y: 88.50%
• 3Y*: 46.17%
• 5Y*: 30.02%
• 10Y*: 15.10%

XLE

• 1D: -3.48%
• 1M: -6.54%
• YTD: 25.06%
• 6M: 24.78%
• 1Y: 30.16%
• 3Y*: 14.85%
• 5Y*: 19.05%
• 10Y*: 9.49%

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

EPU vs. XLE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
EPU iShares MSCI Peru ETF	22.98%	86.87%	21.73%	25.34%	2.05%	-11.81%	-4.31%	7.30%	-12.17%	29.70%
XLE State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF	25.06%	7.88%	5.56%	-0.63%	64.32%	53.28%	-32.67%	11.74%	-18.22%	-0.89%

Correlation

The correlation between EPU and XLE is -0.04, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.04
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.18
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.33
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.39
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 22, 2009	0.46

The correlation between EPU and XLE shifts across timeframes, from -0.04 (1 year) to 0.46 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

EPU vs. XLE - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	EPU	XLE
Basic Materials	54.2%	-
Financial Services	27.9%	-
Consumer Cyclical	4.1%	-
Consumer Defensive	3.0%	-
Real Estate	3.0%	-
Utilities	2.8%	-
Industrials	2.6%	-
Communication Services	1.5%	-
Healthcare	0.9%	-
Energy	-	100.0%
Technology	-	-

Return for Risk

EPU vs. XLE — Risk / Return Rank

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

EPU

EPU Risk / Return Rank: 82
EPU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 92
EPU Sortino Ratio Rank: 81
EPU Omega Ratio Rank: 83
EPU Calmar Ratio Rank: 85
EPU Martin Ratio Rank: 71

XLE

XLE Risk / Return Rank: 46
XLE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 46
XLE Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
XLE Omega Ratio Rank: 41
XLE Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
XLE Martin Ratio Rank: 46

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.

EPU vs. XLE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI Peru ETF (EPU) and State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE). 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.

	EPU	XLE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.87	1.46	+1.41
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.25	1.97	+1.28
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.45	1.24	+0.20
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.27	2.51	+1.75
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.29	6.91	+5.38

EPU vs. XLE - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EPU Sharpe Ratio is 2.87, which is higher than the XLE Sharpe Ratio of 1.46. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EPU and XLE, 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

EPU vs. XLE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EPU drawdown since its inception was -60.62%, smaller than the maximum XLE drawdown of -71.26%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EPU and XLE.

Drawdown Indicators

	EPU	XLE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-60.62%	-71.26%	+10.64%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-20.85%	-12.05%	-8.80%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.85%	-20.14%	-0.71%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-35.59%	-26.04%	-9.55%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-50.97%	-66.81%	+15.84%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.18%	-11.21%	+6.03%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-18.81%	-17.97%	-0.84%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	7.22%	4.38%	+2.84%

Volatility

EPU vs. XLE - Volatility Comparison

iShares MSCI Peru ETF (EPU) has a higher volatility of 13.56% compared to State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE) at 8.02%. This indicates that EPU's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than XLE based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EPU	XLE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	13.56%	8.02%	+5.54%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	26.92%	17.19%	+9.73%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	31.12%	20.86%	+10.26%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	25.09%	26.10%	-1.01%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.64%	29.61%	-5.97%

EPU vs. XLE - Expense Ratio Comparison

EPU has a 0.59% expense ratio, which is higher than XLE's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

EPU vs. XLE - Dividend Comparison

EPU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.97%, more than XLE's 2.69% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EPU iShares MSCI Peru ETF	2.97%	1.63%	5.78%	4.17%	5.56%	3.13%	1.91%	2.67%	1.53%	3.30%	0.85%	1.90%
XLE State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF	2.69%	3.28%	3.36%	3.55%	3.68%	4.21%	5.62%	6.72%	3.54%	3.03%	2.26%	3.39%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EPU and XLE in my portfolio?

EPU and XLE have a correlation of -0.04, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, EPU or XLE?

EPU has higher volatility (13.56%) compared to XLE (8.02%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EPU dropped -60.62% vs XLE's -71.26%.

Which ETF is better, EPU or XLE?

On 10-year performance, EPU leads with 15.10% vs 9.49% for XLE. On fees, XLE is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, XLE has been the lower-risk option at 8.02%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EPU or XLE?

Over the 10-year period, EPU has performed better with a 15.10% return vs 9.49%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EPU or XLE?

XLE is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.59% for EPU.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, EPU or XLE?

EPU has the higher dividend yield at 2.97%, compared with 2.69% for XLE.

What is the main difference between EPU and XLE?

EPU is categorized as Mid Cap Blend Equities, while XLE is Energy Equities. EPU tracks MSCI All Peru Capped Index, while XLE tracks Energy Select Sector Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.59% for EPU and 0.08% for XLE.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EPU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.87 vs 1.46), 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.