FIDU vs. XLI

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

FIDU (Fidelity MSCI Industrials Index ETF) and XLI (Industrial Select Sector SPDR Fund) are both Industrials Equities funds - FIDU tracks the MSCI USA IMI Industrials Index while XLI tracks the Industrial Select Sector Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, FIDU returned 13.91%/yr vs 13.82%/yr for XLI. With a 0.99 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. Both charge a 0.08% expense ratio.

Performance

FIDU vs. XLI - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with FIDU having a 16.82% return and XLI slightly higher at 16.89%. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with FIDU having a 13.91% annualized return and XLI not far behind at 13.82%.

FIDU

• 1D: -1.01%
• 1M: 0.97%
• 6M: 9.87%
• YTD: 16.82%
• 1Y: 22.49%
• 3Y*: 20.09%
• 5Y*: 13.70%
• 10Y*: 13.91%

XLI

• 1D: -0.85%
• 1M: 2.63%
• 6M: 11.12%
• YTD: 16.89%
• 1Y: 21.63%
• 3Y*: 20.14%
• 5Y*: 13.64%
• 10Y*: 13.82%

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

FIDU vs. XLI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FIDU Fidelity MSCI Industrials Index ETF	16.82%	18.61%	16.51%	22.62%	-8.36%	20.96%	13.72%	30.69%	-13.85%	22.22%
XLI Industrial Select Sector SPDR Fund	16.89%	19.35%	17.31%	18.13%	-5.57%	21.08%	10.91%	29.08%	-13.25%	23.98%

Correlation

The correlation between FIDU and XLI is 0.99 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.99
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.99
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.99
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.99
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 24, 2013	0.99

The correlation between FIDU and XLI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.99 to 0.99 - a consistent structural relationship.

FIDU vs. XLI - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FIDU	XLI
Industrials	89.4%	88.8%
Utilities	4.3%	5.3%
Technology	3.8%	3.5%
Consumer Cyclical	1.1%	0.5%
Basic Materials	0.7%	1.7%
Energy	0.4%	-
Real Estate	0.0%	-
Healthcare	0.0%	-
Communication Services	0.0%	-
Financial Services	0.0%	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-

Return for Risk

FIDU vs. XLI — Risk / Return Rank

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

FIDU

FIDU Risk / Return Rank: 47
FIDU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 45
FIDU Sortino Ratio Rank: 45
FIDU Omega Ratio Rank: 41
FIDU Calmar Ratio Rank: 46
FIDU Martin Ratio Rank: 55

XLI

XLI Risk / Return Rank: 46
XLI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 46
XLI Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
XLI Omega Ratio Rank: 43
XLI Calmar Ratio Rank: 44
XLI Martin Ratio Rank: 51

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.

FIDU vs. XLI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Fidelity MSCI Industrials Index ETF (FIDU) and Industrial Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLI). 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.

	FIDU	XLI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.27	1.30	-0.03
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.86	1.91	-0.05
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	1.23	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.85	1.78	+0.07
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.49	6.96	+0.53

FIDU vs. XLI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FIDU Sharpe Ratio is 1.27, which is comparable to the XLI Sharpe Ratio of 1.30. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FIDU and XLI, 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

FIDU vs. XLI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FIDU drawdown since its inception was -42.31%, smaller than the maximum XLI drawdown of -62.26%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FIDU and XLI.

Drawdown Indicators

	FIDU	XLI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-42.31%	-62.26%	+19.95%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.23%	-12.21%	-0.02%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.52%	-18.49%	-2.03%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-22.87%	-21.64%	-1.23%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.31%	-42.33%	+0.02%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.77%	-2.80%	-0.97%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.78%	-9.18%	+4.40%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.01%	3.12%	-0.11%

Volatility

FIDU vs. XLI - Volatility Comparison

Fidelity MSCI Industrials Index ETF (FIDU) has a higher volatility of 6.35% compared to Industrial Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLI) at 6.00%. This indicates that FIDU's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than XLI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FIDU	XLI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.35%	6.00%	+0.35%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.51%	13.85%	+0.66%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.81%	16.71%	+1.10%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.46%	17.60%	+0.86%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.34%	20.01%	+0.33%

FIDU vs. XLI - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both FIDU and XLI have an expense ratio of 0.08%, making them cost-effective options compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios typically range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

FIDU vs. XLI - Dividend Comparison

FIDU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.94%, less than XLI's 1.14% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FIDU Fidelity MSCI Industrials Index ETF	0.94%	1.02%	1.42%	1.42%	1.48%	1.12%	1.28%	1.73%	1.99%	1.60%	1.63%	1.98%
XLI Industrial Select Sector SPDR Fund	1.14%	1.29%	1.44%	1.63%	1.63%	1.25%	1.55%	1.94%	2.15%	1.77%	2.07%	2.15%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FIDU and XLI in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.99, FIDU and XLI move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, FIDU or XLI?

FIDU has higher volatility (6.35%) compared to XLI (6.00%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FIDU dropped -42.31% vs XLI's -62.26%.

Which ETF is better, FIDU or XLI?

On 10-year performance, FIDU leads with 13.91% vs 13.82% for XLI. Both ETFs have the same 0.08% expense ratio. On volatility, XLI has been the lower-risk option at 6.00%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FIDU or XLI?

Over the 10-year period, FIDU has performed better with a 13.91% return vs 13.82%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FIDU or XLI?

FIDU and XLI have the same expense ratio: 0.08% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FIDU or XLI?

XLI has the higher dividend yield at 1.14%, compared with 0.94% for FIDU.

What is the main difference between FIDU and XLI?

FIDU tracks MSCI USA IMI Industrials Index, while XLI tracks Industrial Select Sector Index. They also come from different issuers: Fidelity and State Street.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XLI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.30 vs 1.27), 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.