FRNW vs. XTL

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

FRNW (Fidelity Clean Energy ETF) and XTL (SPDR S&P Telecom ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FRNW is a Alternative Energy Equities fund actively managed by Fidelity, while XTL is a Communications Equities fund tracking the S&P Telecom Select Industry Index. FRNW is actively managed, while XTL is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, FRNW returned 6.70%/yr vs 46.01%/yr for XTL. A 0.60 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FRNW charges 0.39%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for XTL.

Performance

FRNW vs. XTL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Fidelity Clean Energy ETF (FRNW) and SPDR S&P Telecom ETF (XTL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FRNW achieves a 23.12% return, which is significantly lower than XTL's 51.28% return.

FRNW

• 1D: 1.22%
• 1M: -4.62%
• YTD: 23.12%
• 6M: 22.47%
• 1Y: 62.88%
• 3Y*: 6.70%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

XTL

• 1D: 0.16%
• 1M: 2.24%
• YTD: 51.28%
• 6M: 51.62%
• 1Y: 120.42%
• 3Y*: 46.01%
• 5Y*: 18.76%
• 10Y*: 16.27%

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

FRNW vs. XTL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
FRNW Fidelity Clean Energy ETF	23.12%	53.20%	-21.11%	-19.64%	-11.46%	-2.52%
XTL SPDR S&P Telecom ETF	51.28%	44.95%	34.89%	-1.17%	-19.18%	7.97%

Correlation

The correlation between FRNW and XTL 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	0.62
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.57
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 7, 2021	0.60

The correlation between FRNW and XTL has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.57 to 0.61 - a consistent structural relationship.

FRNW vs. XTL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FRNW	XTL
Utilities	42.5%	-
Industrials	28.7%	-
Energy	22.5%	-
Technology	6.0%	62.7%
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	35.0%
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	2.3%

Return for Risk

FRNW vs. XTL — Risk / Return Rank

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

FRNW

FRNW Risk / Return Rank: 82
FRNW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 84
FRNW Sortino Ratio Rank: 77
FRNW Omega Ratio Rank: 73
FRNW Calmar Ratio Rank: 88
FRNW Martin Ratio Rank: 86

XTL

XTL Risk / Return Rank: 95
XTL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 96
XTL Sortino Ratio Rank: 94
XTL Omega Ratio Rank: 93
XTL Calmar Ratio Rank: 96
XTL Martin Ratio Rank: 96

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.

FRNW vs. XTL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Fidelity Clean Energy ETF (FRNW) and SPDR S&P Telecom ETF (XTL). 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.

	FRNW	XTL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.36	3.88	-1.51
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.97	4.26	-1.29
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.56	-0.19
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.48	7.95	-3.47
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	15.67	33.56	-17.89

FRNW vs. XTL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FRNW Sharpe Ratio is 2.36, which is lower than the XTL Sharpe Ratio of 3.88. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FRNW and XTL, 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

FRNW vs. XTL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FRNW drawdown since its inception was -59.37%, which is greater than XTL's maximum drawdown of -37.01%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FRNW and XTL.

Drawdown Indicators

	FRNW	XTL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-59.37%	-37.01%	-22.36%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.20%	-14.70%	+0.50%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-45.14%	-22.79%	-22.35%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-37.01%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-37.01%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-11.09%	-6.72%	-4.37%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-33.17%	-9.76%	-23.41%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.05%	3.48%	+0.57%

Volatility

FRNW vs. XTL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Fidelity Clean Energy ETF (FRNW) is 10.63%, while SPDR S&P Telecom ETF (XTL) has a volatility of 11.43%. This indicates that FRNW experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than XTL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FRNW	XTL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.63%	11.43%	-0.80%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	19.61%	24.28%	-4.67%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	26.92%	30.13%	-3.21%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	28.52%	25.34%	+3.18%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	28.52%	23.66%	+4.86%

FRNW vs. XTL - Expense Ratio Comparison

FRNW has a 0.39% expense ratio, which is higher than XTL's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

FRNW vs. XTL - Dividend Comparison

FRNW's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.02%, more than XTL's 0.86% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FRNW Fidelity Clean Energy ETF	1.02%	1.25%	1.43%	1.30%	0.69%	0.04%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
XTL SPDR S&P Telecom ETF	0.86%	1.05%	0.62%	0.80%	0.74%	1.25%	0.88%	0.92%	1.90%	2.08%	1.11%	1.38%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FRNW and XTL in my portfolio?

FRNW and XTL 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, FRNW or XTL?

XTL has higher volatility (11.43%) compared to FRNW (10.63%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FRNW dropped -59.37% vs XTL's -37.01%.

Which ETF is better, FRNW or XTL?

On 3-year performance, XTL leads with 46.01% vs 6.70% for FRNW. On fees, XTL is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, FRNW has been the lower-risk option at 10.63%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FRNW or XTL?

Over the 3-year period, XTL has performed better with a 46.01% return vs 6.70%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FRNW or XTL?

XTL is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.39% for FRNW.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FRNW or XTL?

FRNW has the higher dividend yield at 1.02%, compared with 0.86% for XTL.

What is the main difference between FRNW and XTL?

FRNW is categorized as Alternative Energy Equities, while XTL is Communications Equities. They also come from different issuers: Fidelity and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.39% for FRNW and 0.35% for XTL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XTL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.88 vs 2.36), 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.