FTXG vs. XLP

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

FTXG (First Trust Nasdaq Food & Beverage ETF) and XLP (State Street Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR ETF) are both Consumer Staples Equities funds - FTXG tracks the Nasdaq U.S. Smart Food & Beverage Index while XLP tracks the Consumer Staples Select Sector Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, FTXG returned -1.45%/yr vs 5.55%/yr for XLP. A 0.64 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FTXG charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for XLP.

Performance

FTXG vs. XLP - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Nasdaq Food & Beverage ETF (FTXG) and State Street Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLP). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FTXG achieves a 5.86% return, which is significantly lower than XLP's 6.36% return.

FTXG

• 1D: 0.11%
• 1M: -0.85%
• YTD: 5.86%
• 6M: 4.05%
• 1Y: 0.33%
• 3Y*: -3.08%
• 5Y*: -1.45%
• 10Y*: —

XLP

• 1D: 0.40%
• 1M: -1.65%
• YTD: 6.36%
• 6M: 5.65%
• 1Y: 1.97%
• 3Y*: 6.59%
• 5Y*: 5.55%
• 10Y*: 7.20%

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

FTXG vs. XLP - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FTXG First Trust Nasdaq Food & Beverage ETF	5.86%	-6.52%	-2.52%	-6.48%	6.15%	13.48%	6.63%	23.97%	-12.09%	5.64%
XLP State Street Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR ETF	6.36%	1.52%	12.20%	-0.82%	-0.81%	17.20%	10.11%	27.43%	-8.07%	12.98%

Correlation

The correlation between FTXG and XLP is 0.83, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.83
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.83
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.80
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 11, 2016	0.64

The correlation between FTXG and XLP shifts across timeframes, from 0.64 (all time) to 0.83 (3 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

FTXG vs. XLP - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FTXG	XLP
Consumer Defensive	94.0%	99.0%
Basic Materials	4.3%	-
Industrials	1.7%	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	1.0%
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

FTXG vs. XLP — Risk / Return Rank

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

FTXG

FTXG Risk / Return Rank: 9
FTXG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 9
FTXG Sortino Ratio Rank: 8
FTXG Omega Ratio Rank: 8
FTXG Calmar Ratio Rank: 9
FTXG Martin Ratio Rank: 9

XLP

XLP Risk / Return Rank: 10
XLP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 10
XLP Sortino Ratio Rank: 10
XLP Omega Ratio Rank: 10
XLP Calmar Ratio Rank: 11
XLP Martin Ratio Rank: 10

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.

FTXG vs. XLP - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Nasdaq Food & Beverage ETF (FTXG) and State Street Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLP). 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.

	FTXG	XLP	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.02	0.16	-0.13
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.13	0.31	-0.18
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.01	1.04	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.03	0.20	-0.17
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.06	0.40	-0.34
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

FTXG vs. XLP - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FTXG Sharpe Ratio is 0.02, which is lower than the XLP Sharpe Ratio of 0.16. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FTXG and XLP, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	FTXG	XLP	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.02	0.16	-0.13
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	-0.10	0.42	-0.52
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.49	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.18	0.43	-0.25

Drawdowns

FTXG vs. XLP - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FTXG drawdown since its inception was -31.52%, smaller than the maximum XLP drawdown of -35.90%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FTXG and XLP.

Drawdown Indicators

	FTXG	XLP	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-31.52%	-35.90%	+4.38%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.14%	-9.69%	-0.45%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.10%	-12.39%	-5.71%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-21.68%	-16.30%	-5.38%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-24.51%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-14.76%	-8.21%	-6.55%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.64%	-7.06%	-0.58%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.40%	4.93%	+0.47%

Volatility

FTXG vs. XLP - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust Nasdaq Food & Beverage ETF (FTXG) is 3.29%, while State Street Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLP) has a volatility of 3.97%. This indicates that FTXG experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than XLP based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FTXG	XLP	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.29%	3.97%	-0.68%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.62%	9.86%	-0.24%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.60%	12.66%	+0.94%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.46%	13.29%	+1.17%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.63%	14.73%	+1.90%

FTXG vs. XLP - Expense Ratio Comparison

FTXG has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is higher than XLP's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

FTXG vs. XLP - Dividend Comparison

FTXG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.75%, more than XLP's 2.65% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FTXG First Trust Nasdaq Food & Beverage ETF	2.75%	2.93%	2.75%	4.27%	1.50%	1.52%	1.35%	1.25%	1.37%	1.56%	0.30%	0.00%
XLP State Street Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR ETF	2.65%	2.75%	2.77%	2.63%	2.47%	2.28%	2.50%	2.57%	3.04%	2.62%	2.53%	2.52%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FTXG and XLP in my portfolio?

FTXG and XLP have a correlation of 0.83, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FTXG or XLP?

XLP has higher volatility (3.97%) compared to FTXG (3.29%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FTXG dropped -31.52% vs XLP's -35.90%.

Which ETF is better, FTXG or XLP?

On 5-year performance, XLP leads with 5.55% vs -1.45% for FTXG. On fees, XLP is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, FTXG has been the lower-risk option at 3.29%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FTXG or XLP?

Over the 5-year period, XLP has performed better with a 5.55% return vs -1.45%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FTXG or XLP?

XLP is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for FTXG.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FTXG or XLP?

FTXG has the higher dividend yield at 2.75%, compared with 2.65% for XLP.

What is the main difference between FTXG and XLP?

FTXG tracks Nasdaq U.S. Smart Food & Beverage Index, while XLP tracks Consumer Staples Select Sector Index. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for FTXG and 0.08% for XLP.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XLP currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.16 vs 0.02), 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.