FITE vs. XLF

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

FITE (SPDR S&P Kensho Future Security ETF) and XLF (State Street Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FITE is a Technology Equities fund tracking the S&P Kensho Future Security Index, while XLF is a Financials Equities fund tracking the Financial Select Sector Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, FITE returned 15.14%/yr vs 10.00%/yr for XLF. A 0.60 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FITE charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for XLF.

Performance

FITE vs. XLF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SPDR S&P Kensho Future Security ETF (FITE) 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, FITE achieves a 22.77% return, which is significantly higher than XLF's -0.77% return.

FITE

• 1D: -0.15%
• 1M: -3.30%
• YTD: 22.77%
• 6M: 19.69%
• 1Y: 44.10%
• 3Y*: 30.69%
• 5Y*: 15.14%
• 10Y*: —

XLF

• 1D: 0.34%
• 1M: 4.10%
• YTD: -0.77%
• 6M: -1.95%
• 1Y: 7.67%
• 3Y*: 19.94%
• 5Y*: 10.00%
• 10Y*: 13.72%

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

FITE vs. XLF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FITE SPDR S&P Kensho Future Security ETF	22.77%	27.73%	21.63%	28.48%	-17.98%	14.45%	20.38%	33.96%	-0.53%	-0.55%
XLF State Street Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF	-0.77%	14.90%	30.56%	12.03%	-10.59%	34.80%	-1.74%	31.88%	-13.06%	-0.21%

Correlation

The correlation between FITE and XLF is 0.41, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.41
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.52
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.61
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 27, 2017	0.60

The correlation between FITE and XLF shifts across timeframes, from 0.41 (1 year) to 0.61 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

FITE vs. XLF - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FITE	XLF
Technology	53.8%	1.8%
Industrials	37.6%	0.2%
Communication Services	4.2%	-
Healthcare	2.6%	-
Energy	1.9%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Financial Services	-	98.0%
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

FITE vs. XLF — Risk / Return Rank

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

FITE

FITE Risk / Return Rank: 51
FITE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 51
FITE Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
FITE Omega Ratio Rank: 45
FITE Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
FITE Martin Ratio Rank: 49

XLF

XLF Risk / Return Rank: 15
XLF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 17
XLF Sortino Ratio Rank: 16
XLF Omega Ratio Rank: 16
XLF Calmar Ratio Rank: 15
XLF Martin Ratio Rank: 15

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.

FITE vs. XLF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR S&P Kensho Future Security ETF (FITE) 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.

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.

	FITE	XLF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.67	0.53	+1.15
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.29	0.81	+1.48
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	1.10	+0.18
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.89	0.52	+2.37
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.90	1.33	+6.57

FITE vs. XLF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FITE Sharpe Ratio is 1.67, which is higher than the XLF Sharpe Ratio of 0.53. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FITE and XLF, 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

FITE vs. XLF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FITE drawdown since its inception was -36.90%, smaller than the maximum XLF drawdown of -82.69%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FITE and XLF.

Drawdown Indicators

	FITE	XLF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-36.90%	-82.69%	+45.79%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.35%	-14.79%	-0.56%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-22.07%	-15.54%	-6.53%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-27.14%	-25.81%	-1.33%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-42.86%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-11.62%	-3.64%	-7.98%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.40%	-19.99%	+12.59%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.60%	5.79%	-0.19%

Volatility

FITE vs. XLF - Volatility Comparison

SPDR S&P Kensho Future Security ETF (FITE) has a higher volatility of 12.19% compared to State Street Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLF) at 4.12%. This indicates that FITE's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than XLF based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FITE	XLF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	12.19%	4.12%	+8.07%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	21.45%	11.27%	+10.18%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	26.49%	14.62%	+11.87%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.79%	18.58%	+4.21%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.21%	22.11%	+1.10%

FITE vs. XLF - Expense Ratio Comparison

FITE has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is higher than XLF's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

FITE vs. XLF - Dividend Comparison

FITE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.14%, less than XLF's 1.50% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FITE SPDR S&P Kensho Future Security ETF	0.14%	0.23%	0.12%	0.13%	0.12%	0.92%	0.88%	0.44%	1.79%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
XLF State Street Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF	1.50%	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 FITE and XLF in my portfolio?

FITE and XLF have a correlation of 0.41, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FITE or XLF?

FITE has higher volatility (12.19%) compared to XLF (4.12%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FITE dropped -36.90% vs XLF's -82.69%.

Which ETF is better, FITE or XLF?

On 5-year performance, FITE leads with 15.14% vs 10.00% for XLF. On fees, XLF is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, XLF has been the lower-risk option at 4.12%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FITE or XLF?

Over the 5-year period, FITE has performed better with a 15.14% return vs 10.00%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FITE or XLF?

XLF is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.45% for FITE.

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

XLF has the higher dividend yield at 1.50%, compared with 0.14% for FITE.

What is the main difference between FITE and XLF?

FITE is categorized as Technology Equities, while XLF is Financials Equities. FITE tracks S&P Kensho Future Security Index, while XLF tracks Financial Select Sector Index. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for FITE and 0.08% for XLF.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FITE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.67 vs 0.53), 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.