FENY vs. XLB

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

FENY (Fidelity MSCI Energy Index ETF) and XLB (Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FENY is a Energy Equities fund tracking the MSCI USA IMI Energy 25/50 Index, while XLB is a Materials fund tracking the Materials Select Sector Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, FENY returned 9.24%/yr vs 10.54%/yr for XLB. A 0.57 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FENY charges 0.08%/yr vs 0.13%/yr for XLB.

Performance

FENY vs. XLB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Fidelity MSCI Energy Index ETF (FENY) and Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FENY achieves a 29.64% return, which is significantly higher than XLB's 15.57% return. Over the past 10 years, FENY has underperformed XLB with an annualized return of 9.24%, while XLB has yielded a comparatively higher 10.54% annualized return.

FENY

• 1D: 0.79%
• 1M: -0.72%
• YTD: 29.64%
• 6M: 28.30%
• 1Y: 37.40%
• 3Y*: 16.71%
• 5Y*: 20.03%
• 10Y*: 9.24%

XLB

• 1D: 1.87%
• 1M: 0.23%
• YTD: 15.57%
• 6M: 16.68%
• 1Y: 20.35%
• 3Y*: 10.88%
• 5Y*: 6.01%
• 10Y*: 10.54%

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

FENY vs. XLB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FENY Fidelity MSCI Energy Index ETF	29.64%	7.27%	6.62%	-0.04%	62.94%	55.62%	-33.15%	9.11%	-19.99%	-2.30%
XLB Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF	15.57%	9.94%	0.15%	12.46%	-12.30%	27.44%	20.46%	24.13%	-14.88%	24.01%

Correlation

The correlation between FENY and XLB is 0.13, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.13
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.34
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.46
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.54
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 24, 2013	0.57

Over the past year, the correlation between FENY and XLB has dropped to 0.13 - well below their long-term average of 0.57, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

FENY vs. XLB - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FENY	XLB
Energy	99.7%	-
Basic Materials	0.2%	87.6%
Industrials	0.1%	1.5%
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	12.4%
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

FENY vs. XLB — Risk / Return Rank

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

FENY

FENY Risk / Return Rank: 61
FENY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
FENY Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
FENY Omega Ratio Rank: 54
FENY Calmar Ratio Rank: 72
FENY Martin Ratio Rank: 58

XLB

XLB Risk / Return Rank: 37
XLB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 37
XLB Sortino Ratio Rank: 37
XLB Omega Ratio Rank: 34
XLB Calmar Ratio Rank: 38
XLB Martin Ratio Rank: 37

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.

FENY vs. XLB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Fidelity MSCI Energy Index ETF (FENY) and Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLB). 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.

	FENY	XLB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.84	1.17	+0.67
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.41	1.73	+0.68
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.20	+0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.19	1.65	+1.54
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.93	5.05	+3.88

FENY vs. XLB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FENY Sharpe Ratio is 1.84, which is higher than the XLB Sharpe Ratio of 1.17. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FENY and XLB, 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

FENY vs. XLB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FENY drawdown since its inception was -74.35%, which is greater than XLB's maximum drawdown of -59.83%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FENY and XLB.

Drawdown Indicators

	FENY	XLB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-74.35%	-59.83%	-14.52%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.78%	-12.38%	+0.60%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-21.47%	-23.17%	+1.70%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-26.64%	-24.72%	-1.92%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-69.07%	-37.27%	-31.80%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-8.22%	-2.25%	-5.97%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-23.08%	-10.83%	-12.25%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.20%	4.04%	+0.16%

Volatility

FENY vs. XLB - Volatility Comparison

Fidelity MSCI Energy Index ETF (FENY) and Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLB) have volatilities of 7.15% and 7.05%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FENY	XLB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.15%	7.05%	+0.10%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.58%	13.58%	+3.00%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.47%	17.49%	+2.98%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	26.51%	19.06%	+7.45%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	29.79%	20.70%	+9.09%

FENY vs. XLB - Expense Ratio Comparison

FENY has a 0.08% expense ratio, which is lower than XLB's 0.13% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

FENY vs. XLB - Dividend Comparison

FENY's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.46%, more than XLB's 1.68% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FENY Fidelity MSCI Energy Index ETF	2.46%	3.18%	3.05%	3.33%	3.33%	3.69%	4.60%	6.43%	3.21%	2.94%	2.29%	3.05%
XLB Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF	1.68%	1.92%	1.92%	2.00%	2.26%	1.62%	1.72%	1.98%	2.20%	1.66%	1.95%	2.24%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FENY and XLB in my portfolio?

FENY and XLB have a correlation of 0.13, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FENY or XLB?

FENY has higher volatility (7.15%) compared to XLB (7.05%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FENY dropped -74.35% vs XLB's -59.83%.

Which ETF is better, FENY or XLB?

On 10-year performance, XLB leads with 10.54% vs 9.24% for FENY. On fees, FENY is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, XLB has been the lower-risk option at 7.05%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FENY or XLB?

Over the 10-year period, XLB has performed better with a 10.54% return vs 9.24%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FENY or XLB?

FENY is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.13% for XLB.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FENY or XLB?

FENY has the higher dividend yield at 2.46%, compared with 1.68% for XLB.

What is the main difference between FENY and XLB?

FENY is categorized as Energy Equities, while XLB is Materials. FENY tracks MSCI USA IMI Energy 25/50 Index, while XLB tracks Materials Select Sector Index. They also come from different issuers: Fidelity and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.08% for FENY and 0.13% for XLB.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FENY currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.84 vs 1.17), 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.