EWO vs. XLU

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

EWO (iShares MSCI Austria ETF) and XLU (State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - EWO is a Europe Equities fund tracking the MSCI Austria Investable Market Index, while XLU is a Utilities Equities fund tracking the Utilities Select Sector Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, EWO returned 15.85%/yr vs 9.35%/yr for XLU. At a 0.28 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. EWO charges 0.49%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for XLU.

Performance

EWO vs. XLU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI Austria ETF (EWO) 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, EWO achieves a 22.29% return, which is significantly higher than XLU's 6.99% return. Over the past 10 years, EWO has outperformed XLU with an annualized return of 15.85%, while XLU has yielded a comparatively lower 9.35% annualized return.

EWO

• 1D: -1.46%
• 1M: 8.63%
• YTD: 22.29%
• 6M: 23.55%
• 1Y: 54.33%
• 3Y*: 35.93%
• 5Y*: 17.04%
• 10Y*: 15.85%

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)

EWO vs. XLU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
EWO iShares MSCI Austria ETF	22.29%	74.21%	4.05%	20.63%	-21.95%	31.50%	-3.67%	17.05%	-22.88%	52.47%
XLU State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF	6.99%	16.03%	23.31%	-7.18%	1.44%	17.70%	0.51%	25.93%	3.94%	12.05%

Correlation

The correlation between EWO 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	0.22
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.25
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.20
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 22, 1998	0.28

The correlation between EWO and XLU shifts across timeframes, from 0.12 (1 year) to 0.28 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

EWO vs. XLU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	EWO	XLU
Financial Services	47.3%	-
Industrials	14.5%	-
Energy	9.7%	-
Basic Materials	8.8%	-
Utilities	6.5%	100.0%
Technology	5.7%	-
Real Estate	4.1%	-
Consumer Cyclical	3.6%	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Healthcare	-	-

Return for Risk

EWO vs. XLU — Risk / Return Rank

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

EWO

EWO Risk / Return Rank: 83
EWO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 89
EWO Sortino Ratio Rank: 89
EWO Omega Ratio Rank: 84
EWO Calmar Ratio Rank: 78
EWO Martin Ratio Rank: 74

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.

EWO vs. XLU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI Austria ETF (EWO) 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.

	EWO	XLU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.83	0.96	+1.86
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.87	1.37	+2.50
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.48	1.17	+0.30
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.88	1.54	+2.34
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.13	3.26	+9.87

EWO vs. XLU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EWO Sharpe Ratio is 2.83, which is higher than the XLU Sharpe Ratio of 0.96. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EWO 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

EWO vs. XLU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EWO drawdown since its inception was -75.69%, which is greater than XLU's maximum drawdown of -51.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EWO and XLU.

Drawdown Indicators

	EWO	XLU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-75.69%	-51.98%	-23.71%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.08%	-9.18%	-4.90%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.75%	-17.26%	+0.51%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-41.82%	-25.26%	-16.56%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-58.10%	-36.07%	-22.03%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.46%	-4.30%	+2.84%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-28.07%	-10.21%	-17.86%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.15%	4.32%	-0.17%

Volatility

EWO vs. XLU - Volatility Comparison

iShares MSCI Austria ETF (EWO) has a higher volatility of 7.60% compared to State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLU) at 5.21%. This indicates that EWO'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

	EWO	XLU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.60%	5.21%	+2.39%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.15%	11.70%	+4.45%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.32%	14.69%	+4.63%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.98%	17.30%	+4.68%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.65%	19.29%	+3.36%

EWO vs. XLU - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

EWO vs. XLU - Dividend Comparison

EWO's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.98%, less than XLU's 2.65% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EWO iShares MSCI Austria ETF	1.98%	2.38%	7.40%	5.66%	4.75%	2.42%	0.98%	3.11%	4.04%	2.03%	1.99%	1.51%
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 EWO and XLU in my portfolio?

EWO 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, EWO or XLU?

EWO has higher volatility (7.60%) compared to XLU (5.21%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EWO dropped -75.69% vs XLU's -51.98%.

Which ETF is better, EWO or XLU?

On 10-year performance, EWO leads with 15.85% vs 9.35% 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, EWO or XLU?

Over the 10-year period, EWO has performed better with a 15.85% return vs 9.35%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EWO or XLU?

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

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

XLU has the higher dividend yield at 2.65%, compared with 1.98% for EWO.

What is the main difference between EWO and XLU?

EWO is categorized as Europe Equities, while XLU is Utilities Equities. EWO tracks MSCI Austria Investable Market Index, while XLU tracks Utilities Select Sector Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.49% for EWO and 0.08% for XLU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EWO currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.83 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.