FXN vs. XLE

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

FXN (First Trust Energy AlphaDEX Fund) and XLE (State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF) are both Energy Equities funds - FXN tracks the StrataQuant Energy Index while XLE tracks the Energy Select Sector Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, FXN returned 5.81%/yr vs 9.29%/yr for XLE. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. FXN charges 0.64%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for XLE.

Performance

FXN vs. XLE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Energy AlphaDEX Fund (FXN) and State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FXN achieves a 25.24% return, which is significantly higher than XLE's 22.58% return. Over the past 10 years, FXN has underperformed XLE with an annualized return of 5.81%, while XLE has yielded a comparatively higher 9.29% annualized return.

FXN

• 1D: 1.88%
• 1M: -7.93%
• YTD: 25.24%
• 6M: 25.77%
• 1Y: 32.05%
• 3Y*: 13.92%
• 5Y*: 15.40%
• 10Y*: 5.81%

XLE

• 1D: 1.26%
• 1M: -8.47%
• YTD: 22.58%
• 6M: 23.97%
• 1Y: 26.32%
• 3Y*: 15.44%
• 5Y*: 18.90%
• 10Y*: 9.29%

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

FXN vs. XLE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FXN First Trust Energy AlphaDEX Fund	25.24%	3.39%	0.27%	0.97%	46.92%	51.79%	-19.91%	-6.76%	-24.79%	-5.02%
XLE State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF	22.58%	7.88%	5.56%	-0.63%	64.32%	53.28%	-32.67%	11.74%	-18.22%	-0.89%

Correlation

The correlation between FXN and XLE is 0.93, 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	0.93
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.92
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.94
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.93
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 10, 2007	0.92

The correlation between FXN and XLE has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.92 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

FXN vs. XLE - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FXN	XLE
Energy	92.2%	100.0%
Technology	7.8%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

FXN vs. XLE — Risk / Return Rank

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

FXN

FXN Risk / Return Rank: 41
FXN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 39
FXN Sortino Ratio Rank: 37
FXN Omega Ratio Rank: 34
FXN Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
FXN Martin Ratio Rank: 44

XLE

XLE Risk / Return Rank: 36
XLE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 36
XLE Sortino Ratio Rank: 34
XLE Omega Ratio Rank: 32
XLE Calmar Ratio Rank: 39
XLE Martin Ratio Rank: 38

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.

FXN vs. XLE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Energy AlphaDEX Fund (FXN) and State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE). 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.

	FXN	XLE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.35	1.26	+0.09
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.85	1.75	+0.10
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	1.21	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.48	1.88	+0.60
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.12	5.70	+1.42

FXN vs. XLE - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FXN Sharpe Ratio is 1.35, which is comparable to the XLE Sharpe Ratio of 1.26. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FXN and XLE, 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

FXN vs. XLE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FXN drawdown since its inception was -87.39%, which is greater than XLE's maximum drawdown of -71.26%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FXN and XLE.

Drawdown Indicators

	FXN	XLE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-87.39%	-71.26%	-16.13%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.99%	-14.05%	+1.06%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-31.69%	-20.14%	-11.55%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-31.69%	-26.04%	-5.65%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-80.63%	-66.81%	-13.82%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-11.35%	-12.96%	+1.61%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-37.91%	-17.97%	-19.94%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.55%	4.66%	-0.11%

Volatility

FXN vs. XLE - Volatility Comparison

First Trust Energy AlphaDEX Fund (FXN) has a higher volatility of 7.42% compared to State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE) at 7.06%. This indicates that FXN's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than XLE based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FXN	XLE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.42%	7.06%	+0.36%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	17.33%	16.89%	+0.44%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	23.90%	20.96%	+2.94%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	28.95%	25.98%	+2.97%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	34.98%	29.62%	+5.36%

FXN vs. XLE - Expense Ratio Comparison

FXN has a 0.64% expense ratio, which is higher than XLE's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

FXN vs. XLE - Dividend Comparison

FXN's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.91%, less than XLE's 3.47% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FXN First Trust Energy AlphaDEX Fund	1.91%	2.53%	2.50%	3.09%	2.28%	0.87%	4.71%	1.47%	1.43%	1.17%	1.05%	2.36%
XLE State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF	3.47%	3.28%	3.36%	3.55%	3.68%	4.21%	5.62%	6.72%	3.54%	3.03%	2.26%	3.39%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FXN and XLE in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, FXN and XLE 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, FXN or XLE?

FXN has higher volatility (7.42%) compared to XLE (7.06%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FXN dropped -87.39% vs XLE's -71.26%.

Which ETF is better, FXN or XLE?

On 10-year performance, XLE leads with 9.29% vs 5.81% for FXN. On fees, XLE is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, XLE has been the lower-risk option at 7.06%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FXN or XLE?

Over the 10-year period, XLE has performed better with a 9.29% return vs 5.81%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FXN or XLE?

XLE is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.64% for FXN.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FXN or XLE?

XLE has the higher dividend yield at 3.47%, compared with 1.91% for FXN.

What is the main difference between FXN and XLE?

FXN tracks StrataQuant Energy Index, while XLE tracks Energy Select Sector Index. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.64% for FXN and 0.08% for XLE.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FXN currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.35 vs 1.26), 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.