FAI vs. XLSI

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

FAI (First Trust Bloomberg Artificial Intelligence ETF) and XLSI (Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Premium Income ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FAI is a Technology Equities fund tracking the Bloomberg Artificial Intelligence Index, while XLSI is a Derivative Income fund actively managed by State Street. FAI is passively managed, while XLSI is actively managed. At a correlation of -0.22, they often move in opposite directions. FAI charges 0.65%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for XLSI.

Performance

FAI vs. XLSI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Bloomberg Artificial Intelligence ETF (FAI) and Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Premium Income ETF (XLSI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FAI achieves a 39.08% return, which is significantly higher than XLSI's 1.78% return.

FAI

• 1D: -1.21%
• 1M: 21.45%
• YTD: 39.08%
• 6M: 37.64%
• 1Y: 76.77%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

XLSI

• 1D: 0.33%
• 1M: -1.28%
• YTD: 1.78%
• 6M: 1.76%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

FAI vs. XLSI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
FAI First Trust Bloomberg Artificial Intelligence ETF	39.08%	10.73%
XLSI Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Premium Income ETF	1.78%	-0.33%

Correlation

The correlation between FAI and XLSI is -0.22, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 31, 2025	-0.22

Return for Risk

FAI vs. XLSI — Risk / Return Rank

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

FAI

FAI Risk / Return Rank: 82
FAI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 91
FAI Sortino Ratio Rank: 84
FAI Omega Ratio Rank: 83
FAI Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
FAI Martin Ratio Rank: 72

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.

FAI vs. XLSI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Bloomberg Artificial Intelligence ETF (FAI) and Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Premium Income ETF (XLSI). 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.

	FAI	XLSI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.16	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.74	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.49	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.10	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.35	—	—
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	FAI	XLSI	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.16	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.76	0.16	+1.59

Drawdowns

FAI vs. XLSI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FAI drawdown since its inception was -27.82%, which is greater than XLSI's maximum drawdown of -7.87%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FAI and XLSI.

Drawdown Indicators

	FAI	XLSI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-27.82%	-7.87%	-19.95%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-18.84%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.21%	-6.43%	+5.22%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.31%	-3.21%	-2.10%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.77%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	FAI	XLSI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.24%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	19.31%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	24.40%	10.44%	+13.96%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	29.89%	10.44%	+19.45%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	29.89%	10.44%	+19.45%

FAI vs. XLSI - Expense Ratio Comparison

FAI has a 0.65% expense ratio, which is higher than XLSI's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

FAI vs. XLSI - Dividend Comparison

FAI has not paid dividends to shareholders, while XLSI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 10.76%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
FAI First Trust Bloomberg Artificial Intelligence ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.04%
XLSI Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Premium Income ETF	10.76%	5.34%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FAI and XLSI in my portfolio?

FAI and XLSI have a correlation of -0.22, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, FAI or XLSI?

On fees, XLSI is cheaper at 0.35% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, FAI or XLSI?

XLSI is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.65% for FAI.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FAI or XLSI?

XLSI has the higher dividend yield at 10.76%, compared with 0.00% for FAI.

What is the main difference between FAI and XLSI?

FAI is categorized as Technology Equities, while XLSI is Derivative Income. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.65% for FAI and 0.35% for XLSI.