FINX vs. XLK

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

FINX (Global X FinTech ETF) and XLK (State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF) are both Technology Equities funds - FINX tracks the Indxx Global FinTech Thematic Index while XLK tracks the S&P Technology Select Sector Daily Capped 35/20 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, FINX returned -11.80%/yr vs 21.34%/yr for XLK. A 0.72 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FINX charges 0.68%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for XLK.

Performance

FINX vs. XLK - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X FinTech ETF (FINX) and State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLK). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FINX achieves a -17.47% return, which is significantly lower than XLK's 28.25% return.

FINX

• 1D: -0.74%
• 1M: -2.12%
• YTD: -17.47%
• 6M: -19.57%
• 1Y: -25.00%
• 3Y*: 5.24%
• 5Y*: -11.80%
• 10Y*: —

XLK

• 1D: -4.14%
• 1M: 2.23%
• YTD: 28.25%
• 6M: 26.51%
• 1Y: 52.47%
• 3Y*: 30.61%
• 5Y*: 21.34%
• 10Y*: 25.48%

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

FINX vs. XLK - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FINX Global X FinTech ETF	-17.47%	-5.20%	23.02%	33.15%	-51.80%	-9.65%	53.76%	37.52%	0.82%	49.96%
XLK State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF	28.25%	24.61%	21.63%	56.02%	-27.73%	34.74%	43.62%	49.86%	-1.68%	34.26%

Correlation

The correlation between FINX and XLK is 0.61, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.61
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.62
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.71
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 13, 2016	0.72

The correlation between FINX and XLK shifts across timeframes, from 0.61 (1 year) to 0.72 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

FINX vs. XLK - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FINX	XLK
Technology	53.0%	99.7%
Financial Services	42.0%	-
Industrials	3.8%	0.1%
Healthcare	1.3%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	0.2%
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

FINX vs. XLK — Risk / Return Rank

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

FINX

FINX Risk / Return Rank: 3
FINX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 2
FINX Sortino Ratio Rank: 3
FINX Omega Ratio Rank: 3
FINX Calmar Ratio Rank: 3
FINX Martin Ratio Rank: 3

XLK

XLK Risk / Return Rank: 66
XLK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 73
XLK Sortino Ratio Rank: 61
XLK Omega Ratio Rank: 64
XLK Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
XLK Martin Ratio Rank: 61

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.

FINX vs. XLK - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X FinTech ETF (FINX) and State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLK). 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.

	FINX	XLK	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.84	2.25	-3.09
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-1.06	2.77	-3.83
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.87	1.38	-0.50
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.69	3.31	-4.00
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.24	10.56	-11.80

FINX vs. XLK - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FINX Sharpe Ratio is -0.84, which is lower than the XLK Sharpe Ratio of 2.25. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FINX and XLK, 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

FINX vs. XLK - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FINX drawdown since its inception was -63.53%, smaller than the maximum XLK drawdown of -82.05%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FINX and XLK.

Drawdown Indicators

	FINX	XLK	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-63.53%	-82.05%	+18.52%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-36.58%	-15.92%	-20.66%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-36.58%	-25.66%	-10.92%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-63.53%	-33.56%	-29.97%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-33.56%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-50.64%	-6.96%	-43.68%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-24.58%	-34.90%	+10.32%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	20.22%	4.98%	+15.24%

Volatility

FINX vs. XLK - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Global X FinTech ETF (FINX) is 10.46%, while State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLK) has a volatility of 12.51%. This indicates that FINX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than XLK based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FINX	XLK	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.46%	12.51%	-2.05%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	23.62%	19.70%	+3.92%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	29.84%	23.48%	+6.36%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	31.56%	25.37%	+6.19%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	28.75%	24.71%	+4.04%

FINX vs. XLK - Expense Ratio Comparison

FINX has a 0.68% expense ratio, which is higher than XLK's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

FINX vs. XLK - Dividend Comparison

FINX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.70%, more than XLK's 0.43% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FINX Global X FinTech ETF	0.70%	0.58%	0.72%	0.21%	0.27%	5.40%	0.00%	0.00%	0.18%	0.11%	0.00%	0.00%
XLK State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF	0.43%	0.54%	0.66%	0.76%	1.04%	0.65%	0.92%	1.16%	1.60%	1.37%	1.74%	1.79%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FINX and XLK in my portfolio?

FINX and XLK have a correlation of 0.61, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FINX or XLK?

XLK has higher volatility (12.51%) compared to FINX (10.46%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FINX dropped -63.53% vs XLK's -82.05%.

Which ETF is better, FINX or XLK?

On 5-year performance, XLK leads with 21.34% vs -11.80% for FINX. On fees, XLK is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, FINX has been the lower-risk option at 10.46%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FINX or XLK?

Over the 5-year period, XLK has performed better with a 21.34% return vs -11.80%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FINX or XLK?

XLK is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.68% for FINX.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FINX or XLK?

FINX has the higher dividend yield at 0.70%, compared with 0.43% for XLK.

What is the main difference between FINX and XLK?

FINX tracks Indxx Global FinTech Thematic Index, while XLK tracks S&P Technology Select Sector Daily Capped 35/20 Index. They also come from different issuers: Global X and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.68% for FINX and 0.08% for XLK.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XLK currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.25 vs -0.84), 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.