FTEC vs. XLK

Last updated Jun 17, 2026

FTEC (Fidelity MSCI Information Technology Index ETF) and XLK (State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF) are both Technology Equities funds - FTEC tracks the MSCI USA IMI Information Technology 25/50 Index while XLK tracks the S&P Technology Select Sector Daily Capped 35/20 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, FTEC returned 25.20%/yr vs 25.39%/yr for XLK. With a 0.99 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. Both charge a 0.08% expense ratio.

Performance

FTEC vs. XLK - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Fidelity MSCI Information Technology Index ETF (FTEC) 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, FTEC achieves a 25.37% return, which is significantly lower than XLK's 29.66% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with FTEC having a 25.20% annualized return and XLK not far ahead at 25.39%.

FTEC

• 1D: -2.42%
• 1M: 4.00%
• YTD: 25.37%
• 6M: 26.67%
• 1Y: 49.84%
• 3Y*: 30.09%
• 5Y*: 20.53%
• 10Y*: 25.20%

XLK

• 1D: -2.79%
• 1M: 5.78%
• YTD: 29.66%
• 6M: 31.14%
• 1Y: 54.30%
• 3Y*: 30.02%
• 5Y*: 21.99%
• 10Y*: 25.39%

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

FTEC vs. XLK - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FTEC Fidelity MSCI Information Technology Index ETF	25.37%	22.11%	29.40%	53.30%	-29.59%	30.49%	45.83%	48.93%	-0.39%	36.83%
XLK State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF	29.66%	24.61%	21.63%	56.02%	-27.73%	34.74%	43.62%	49.86%	-1.68%	34.26%

Correlation

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

FTEC vs. XLK - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FTEC	XLK
Technology	98.3%	99.7%
Industrials	0.6%	0.1%
Financial Services	0.5%	-
Energy	0.4%	0.2%
Communication Services	0.0%	-
Consumer Cyclical	0.0%	-
Basic Materials	0.0%	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

FTEC vs. XLK — Risk / Return Rank

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

FTEC

FTEC Risk / Return Rank: 64
FTEC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 72
FTEC Sortino Ratio Rank: 63
FTEC Omega Ratio Rank: 64
FTEC Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
FTEC Martin Ratio Rank: 56

XLK

XLK Risk / Return Rank: 69
XLK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 78
XLK Sortino Ratio Rank: 67
XLK Omega Ratio Rank: 70
XLK Calmar Ratio Rank: 70
XLK Martin Ratio Rank: 63

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.

FTEC vs. XLK - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Fidelity MSCI Information Technology Index ETF (FTEC) 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.

	FTEC	XLK	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.24	2.38	-0.14
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.80	2.93	-0.13
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.40	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.08	3.43	-0.35
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.56	11.03	-1.47

FTEC vs. XLK - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FTEC Sharpe Ratio is 2.24, which is comparable to the XLK Sharpe Ratio of 2.38. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FTEC 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

FTEC vs. XLK - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FTEC drawdown since its inception was -34.95%, smaller than the maximum XLK drawdown of -82.05%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FTEC and XLK.

Drawdown Indicators

	FTEC	XLK	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.95%	-82.05%	+47.10%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.26%	-15.92%	-0.34%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.30%	-25.66%	-1.64%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-34.95%	-33.56%	-1.39%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.95%	-33.56%	-1.39%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.36%	-5.94%	-0.42%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.57%	-34.92%	+29.35%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.23%	4.94%	+0.29%

Volatility

FTEC vs. XLK - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Fidelity MSCI Information Technology Index ETF (FTEC) is 10.62%, while State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLK) has a volatility of 11.60%. This indicates that FTEC 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

	FTEC	XLK	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.62%	11.60%	-0.98%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.25%	19.22%	-0.97%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	22.37%	22.96%	-0.59%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	25.52%	25.27%	+0.25%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.85%	24.69%	+0.16%

FTEC vs. XLK - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both FTEC and XLK 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

FTEC vs. XLK - Dividend Comparison

FTEC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.34%, less than XLK's 0.41% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FTEC Fidelity MSCI Information Technology Index ETF	0.34%	0.43%	0.49%	0.77%	0.93%	0.63%	0.83%	1.03%	1.20%	0.96%	1.25%	1.27%
XLK State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF	0.41%	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 FTEC and XLK in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.99, FTEC and XLK 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, FTEC or XLK?

XLK has higher volatility (11.60%) compared to FTEC (10.62%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FTEC dropped -34.95% vs XLK's -82.05%.

Which ETF is better, FTEC or XLK?

On 10-year performance, XLK leads with 25.39% vs 25.20% for FTEC. Both ETFs have the same 0.08% expense ratio. On volatility, FTEC has been the lower-risk option at 10.62%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FTEC or XLK?

Over the 10-year period, XLK has performed better with a 25.39% return vs 25.20%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FTEC or XLK?

FTEC and XLK have the same expense ratio: 0.08% per year.

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

XLK has the higher dividend yield at 0.41%, compared with 0.34% for FTEC.

What is the main difference between FTEC and XLK?

FTEC tracks MSCI USA IMI Information Technology 25/50 Index, while XLK tracks S&P Technology Select Sector Daily Capped 35/20 Index. They also come from different issuers: Fidelity and State Street.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XLK currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.38 vs 2.24), 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.