FUTY vs. XLU

Last updated Jun 17, 2026

FUTY (Fidelity MSCI Utilities Index ETF) and XLU (State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF) are both Utilities Equities funds - FUTY tracks the MSCI USA IMI Utilities Index while XLU tracks the Utilities Select Sector Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, FUTY returned 9.18%/yr vs 9.29%/yr for XLU. With a 0.99 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. Both charge a 0.08% expense ratio.

Performance

FUTY vs. XLU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Fidelity MSCI Utilities Index ETF (FUTY) and State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with FUTY having a 6.17% return and XLU slightly higher at 6.29%. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with FUTY having a 9.18% annualized return and XLU not far ahead at 9.29%.

FUTY

• 1D: 0.64%
• 1M: 2.75%
• YTD: 6.17%
• 6M: 5.90%
• 1Y: 14.51%
• 3Y*: 13.61%
• 5Y*: 9.60%
• 10Y*: 9.18%

XLU

• 1D: 0.72%
• 1M: 2.71%
• YTD: 6.29%
• 6M: 6.22%
• 1Y: 14.40%
• 3Y*: 13.65%
• 5Y*: 9.77%
• 10Y*: 9.29%

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

FUTY vs. XLU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FUTY Fidelity MSCI Utilities Index ETF	6.17%	16.40%	23.20%	-7.46%	1.12%	17.53%	-0.80%	24.89%	4.36%	12.52%
XLU State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF	6.29%	16.03%	23.31%	-7.18%	1.44%	17.70%	0.51%	25.93%	3.94%	12.05%

Correlation

The correlation between FUTY and XLU is 1.00 - 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	1.00
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	1.00
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	1.00
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 FUTY and XLU has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.99 to 1.00 - a consistent structural relationship.

FUTY vs. XLU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FUTY	XLU
Utilities	99.3%	100.0%
Energy	0.5%	-
Industrials	0.2%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	-

Return for Risk

FUTY vs. XLU — Risk / Return Rank

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

FUTY

FUTY Risk / Return Rank: 28
FUTY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 28
FUTY Sortino Ratio Rank: 26
FUTY Omega Ratio Rank: 26
FUTY Calmar Ratio Rank: 33
FUTY Martin Ratio Rank: 26

XLU

XLU Risk / Return Rank: 27
XLU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 27
XLU Sortino Ratio Rank: 26
XLU Omega Ratio Rank: 25
XLU Calmar Ratio Rank: 32
XLU Martin Ratio Rank: 25

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.

FUTY vs. XLU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Fidelity MSCI Utilities Index ETF (FUTY) and State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLU). 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.

	FUTY	XLU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.01	0.99	+0.02
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.43	1.40	+0.03
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.18	1.18	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.63	1.57	+0.06
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.52	3.38	+0.14

FUTY vs. XLU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FUTY Sharpe Ratio is 1.01, which is comparable to the XLU Sharpe Ratio of 0.99. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FUTY and XLU, 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

FUTY vs. XLU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FUTY drawdown since its inception was -36.44%, smaller than the maximum XLU drawdown of -51.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FUTY and XLU.

Drawdown Indicators

	FUTY	XLU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-36.44%	-51.98%	+15.54%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.93%	-9.18%	+0.25%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.35%	-17.26%	-0.09%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.11%	-25.26%	+0.15%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.44%	-36.07%	-0.37%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.58%	-4.93%	+0.35%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.03%	-10.22%	+4.19%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.13%	4.27%	-0.14%

Volatility

FUTY vs. XLU - Volatility Comparison

Fidelity MSCI Utilities Index ETF (FUTY) and State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLU) have volatilities of 5.09% and 5.08%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FUTY	XLU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.09%	5.08%	+0.01%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.53%	11.67%	-0.14%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.39%	14.63%	-0.24%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.10%	17.34%	-0.24%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.07%	19.28%	-0.21%

FUTY vs. XLU - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both FUTY and XLU 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

FUTY vs. XLU - Dividend Comparison

FUTY's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.54%, less than XLU's 2.64% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FUTY Fidelity MSCI Utilities Index ETF	2.54%	2.67%	2.96%	3.31%	2.72%	2.70%	3.07%	2.82%	3.11%	3.03%	3.35%	4.33%
XLU State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF	2.64%	2.71%	2.96%	3.39%	2.92%	2.79%	3.14%	2.95%	3.33%	3.33%	3.41%	3.67%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FUTY and XLU in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 1.00, FUTY and XLU 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, FUTY or XLU?

FUTY has higher volatility (5.09%) compared to XLU (5.08%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FUTY dropped -36.44% vs XLU's -51.98%.

Which ETF is better, FUTY or XLU?

On 10-year performance, XLU leads with 9.29% vs 9.18% for FUTY. Both ETFs have the same 0.08% expense ratio. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FUTY or XLU?

Over the 10-year period, XLU has performed better with a 9.29% return vs 9.18%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FUTY or XLU?

FUTY and XLU have the same expense ratio: 0.08% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FUTY or XLU?

XLU has the higher dividend yield at 2.64%, compared with 2.54% for FUTY.

What is the main difference between FUTY and XLU?

FUTY tracks MSCI USA IMI Utilities Index, while XLU tracks Utilities Select Sector Index. They also come from different issuers: Fidelity and State Street.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FUTY currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.01 vs 0.99), 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.