GABF vs. XLF

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

GABF (Gabelli Financial Services Opportunities ETF) and XLF (State Street Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF) are both Financials Equities funds. GABF is actively managed, while XLF is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, GABF returned 21.50%/yr vs 19.94%/yr for XLF. Their correlation of 0.88 suggests significant overlap in exposure. GABF charges 0.10%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for XLF.

Performance

GABF vs. XLF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Gabelli Financial Services Opportunities ETF (GABF) and State Street Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLF). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GABF achieves a -4.42% return, which is significantly lower than XLF's -0.77% return.

GABF

• 1D: -0.39%
• 1M: 0.90%
• YTD: -4.42%
• 6M: -5.68%
• 1Y: -1.50%
• 3Y*: 21.50%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

XLF

• 1D: 0.34%
• 1M: 4.10%
• YTD: -0.77%
• 6M: -1.95%
• 1Y: 7.67%
• 3Y*: 19.94%
• 5Y*: 10.00%
• 10Y*: 13.72%

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

GABF vs. XLF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
GABF Gabelli Financial Services Opportunities ETF	-4.42%	3.60%	44.38%	38.92%	-0.04%
XLF State Street Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF	-0.77%	14.90%	30.56%	12.03%	2.56%

Correlation

The correlation between GABF and XLF is 0.87, 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	0.87
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.87
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 10, 2022	0.88

The correlation between GABF and XLF has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.87 to 0.88 - a consistent structural relationship.

GABF vs. XLF - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	GABF	XLF
Financial Services	85.6%	98.0%
Technology	5.2%	1.8%
Industrials	4.9%	0.2%
Real Estate	4.3%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

GABF vs. XLF — Risk / Return Rank

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

GABF

GABF Risk / Return Rank: 8
GABF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 8
GABF Sortino Ratio Rank: 7
GABF Omega Ratio Rank: 7
GABF Calmar Ratio Rank: 8
GABF Martin Ratio Rank: 8

XLF

XLF Risk / Return Rank: 15
XLF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 17
XLF Sortino Ratio Rank: 16
XLF Omega Ratio Rank: 16
XLF Calmar Ratio Rank: 15
XLF Martin Ratio Rank: 15

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.

GABF vs. XLF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Gabelli Financial Services Opportunities ETF (GABF) and State Street Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLF). 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.

	GABF	XLF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.09	0.53	-0.62
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.00	0.81	-0.81
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.00	1.10	-0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.09	0.52	-0.61
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.20	1.33	-1.53

GABF vs. XLF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GABF Sharpe Ratio is -0.09, which is lower than the XLF Sharpe Ratio of 0.53. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GABF and XLF, 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

GABF vs. XLF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GABF drawdown since its inception was -20.86%, smaller than the maximum XLF drawdown of -82.69%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GABF and XLF.

Drawdown Indicators

	GABF	XLF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-20.86%	-82.69%	+61.83%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-17.16%	-14.79%	-2.37%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.86%	-15.54%	-5.32%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-25.81%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-42.86%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-9.12%	-3.64%	-5.48%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.90%	-19.99%	+15.09%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	7.55%	5.79%	+1.76%

Volatility

GABF vs. XLF - Volatility Comparison

Gabelli Financial Services Opportunities ETF (GABF) has a higher volatility of 4.38% compared to State Street Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLF) at 4.12%. This indicates that GABF's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than XLF based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GABF	XLF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.38%	4.12%	+0.26%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.29%	11.27%	+2.02%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.47%	14.62%	+2.85%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.48%	18.58%	+1.90%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.48%	22.11%	-1.63%

GABF vs. XLF - Expense Ratio Comparison

GABF has a 0.10% expense ratio, which is higher than XLF's 0.08% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

GABF vs. XLF - Dividend Comparison

GABF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.05%, more than XLF's 1.50% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GABF Gabelli Financial Services Opportunities ETF	2.05%	1.96%	4.19%	4.95%	1.31%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
XLF State Street Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF	1.50%	1.31%	1.42%	1.71%	2.04%	1.63%	2.03%	1.87%	2.08%	1.48%	21.10%	1.95%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GABF and XLF in my portfolio?

GABF and XLF have a correlation of 0.87, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, GABF or XLF?

GABF has higher volatility (4.38%) compared to XLF (4.12%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GABF dropped -20.86% vs XLF's -82.69%.

Which ETF is better, GABF or XLF?

On 3-year performance, GABF leads with 21.50% vs 19.94% for XLF. On fees, XLF is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, XLF has been the lower-risk option at 4.12%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GABF or XLF?

Over the 3-year period, GABF has performed better with a 21.50% return vs 19.94%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GABF or XLF?

XLF is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.10% for GABF.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, GABF or XLF?

GABF has the higher dividend yield at 2.05%, compared with 1.50% for XLF.

What is the main difference between GABF and XLF?

They also come from different issuers: Gabelli and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.10% for GABF and 0.08% for XLF.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XLF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.53 vs -0.09), 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.