FBDC vs. XLF

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

FBDC (FT Confluence BDC & Specialty Finance Income ETF) and XLF (State Street Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF) are both Financials Equities funds. FBDC is actively managed, while XLF is passively managed. At a 0.49 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. FBDC charges 1.35%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for XLF.

Performance

FBDC vs. XLF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in FT Confluence BDC & Specialty Finance Income ETF (FBDC) and State Street Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLF). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FBDC achieves a -7.17% return, which is significantly lower than XLF's -4.22% return.

FBDC

• 1D: 2.59%
• 1M: -5.28%
• YTD: -7.17%
• 6M: -8.43%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

XLF

• 1D: 2.59%
• 1M: 1.16%
• YTD: -4.22%
• 6M: -1.90%
• 1Y: 4.34%
• 3Y*: 18.85%
• 5Y*: 8.16%
• 10Y*: 12.60%

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

FBDC vs. XLF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
FBDC FT Confluence BDC & Specialty Finance Income ETF	-7.17%	-2.43%
XLF State Street Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF	-4.22%	5.29%

Correlation

The correlation between FBDC and XLF is 0.49, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 1, 2025	0.49

Return for Risk

FBDC vs. XLF — Risk / Return Rank

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

XLF

XLF Risk / Return Rank: 13
XLF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 14
XLF Sortino Ratio Rank: 13
XLF Omega Ratio Rank: 13
XLF Calmar Ratio Rank: 13
XLF Martin Ratio Rank: 13

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.

FBDC vs. XLF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for FT Confluence BDC & Specialty Finance Income ETF (FBDC) and State Street Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLF). 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	FBDC	XLF	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	0.30	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.44	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.57	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	-0.56	0.21	-0.76

Drawdowns

FBDC vs. XLF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FBDC drawdown since its inception was -20.60%, smaller than the maximum XLF drawdown of -82.69%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FBDC and XLF.

Drawdown Indicators

	FBDC	XLF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-20.60%	-82.69%	+62.09%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-14.79%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-15.54%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-25.81%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-42.86%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-15.10%	-6.99%	-8.11%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.16%	-20.02%	+9.86%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	5.68%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	FBDC	XLF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	4.21%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	11.24%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.22%	14.63%	+3.59%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.22%	18.66%	-0.44%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.22%	22.17%	-3.95%

FBDC vs. XLF - Expense Ratio Comparison

FBDC has a 1.35% expense ratio, which is higher than XLF's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

FBDC vs. XLF - Dividend Comparison

FBDC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 11.23%, more than XLF's 1.52% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FBDC FT Confluence BDC & Specialty Finance Income ETF	11.23%	5.41%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
XLF State Street Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF	1.52%	1.31%	1.42%	1.71%	2.04%	1.63%	2.03%	1.87%	2.08%	1.48%	21.10%	1.95%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FBDC and XLF in my portfolio?

FBDC and XLF have a correlation of 0.49, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, FBDC or XLF?

On fees, XLF is cheaper at 0.08% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, FBDC or XLF?

XLF is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 1.35% for FBDC.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FBDC or XLF?

FBDC has the higher dividend yield at 11.23%, compared with 1.52% for XLF.

What is the main difference between FBDC and XLF?

They also come from different issuers: First Trust and State Street. Their fees differ too: 1.35% for FBDC and 0.08% for XLF.