GENZ vs. XLKI

Last updated Aug 2, 2026

GENZ (VanEck Digital Native Economy ETF) and XLKI (State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR Premium Income ETF) are both Technology Equities funds. GENZ is passively managed, while XLKI is actively managed. Over the past year, GENZ returned -13.86% vs 24.59% for XLKI. Their 0.29 correlation means their historical movements had little consistent relationship. GENZ charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for XLKI.

Performance

GENZ vs. XLKI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in VanEck Digital Native Economy ETF (GENZ) and State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR Premium Income ETF (XLKI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GENZ achieves a -8.92% return, which is significantly lower than XLKI's 10.67% return.

GENZ

• 1D: -3.10%
• 1M: -2.17%
• 6M: 0.24%
• YTD: -8.92%
• 1Y: -13.86%
• 3Y*: -4.53%
• 5Y*: -3.36%
• 10Y*: 3.13%
• ALL TIME*: 1.85%

XLKI

• 1D: 0.01%
• 1M: -1.06%
• 6M: 9.29%
• YTD: 10.67%
• 1Y: 24.59%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 21.71%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
GENZ VanEck Digital Native Economy ETF	$64.71K	$66.66K	$80.30K
XLKI State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR Premium Income ETF	$514.98K	$430.22K	$356.64K

GENZ vs. XLKI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
GENZ VanEck Digital Native Economy ETF	-8.92%	-6.71%
XLKI State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR Premium Income ETF	10.67%	10.02%

Correlation

The correlation between GENZ and XLKI is 0.28, which is low. Their historical price movements had little consistent relationship.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.28
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 30, 2025	0.29

GENZ vs. XLKI - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	GENZ	XLKI
Communication Services	30.9%	0.8%
Financial Services	28.0%	99.9%
Technology	20.7%	99.2%
Consumer Cyclical	19.7%	-
Industrials	0.8%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

GENZ vs. XLKI — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

GENZ

GENZ Risk / Return Rank: 4
GENZ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 4
GENZ Sortino Ratio Rank: 4
GENZ Omega Ratio Rank: 4
GENZ Calmar Ratio Rank: 5
GENZ Martin Ratio Rank: 5

XLKI

XLKI Risk / Return Rank: 51
XLKI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 46
XLKI Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
XLKI Omega Ratio Rank: 47
XLKI Calmar Ratio Rank: 57
XLKI Martin Ratio Rank: 60

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

GENZ vs. XLKI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for VanEck Digital Native Economy ETF (GENZ) and State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR Premium Income ETF (XLKI). 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.

	GENZ	XLKI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.69	1.13	-1.83
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.90	1.61	-2.51
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.90	1.22	-0.32
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.54	2.02	-2.56
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.89	7.10	-7.99

GENZ vs. XLKI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GENZ Sharpe Ratio is -0.69, which is lower than the XLKI Sharpe Ratio of 1.13. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GENZ and XLKI, 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

GENZ vs. XLKI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GENZ drawdown since its inception was -71.12%, which is greater than XLKI's maximum drawdown of -11.21%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GENZ and XLKI.

Drawdown Indicators

	GENZ	XLKI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-71.12%	-11.21%	-59.91%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-26.40%	-11.21%	-15.19%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.40%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-39.93%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-56.43%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-28.49%	-6.73%	-21.76%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-24.57%	-2.16%	-22.41%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	16.08%	3.18%	+12.90%

Volatility

GENZ vs. XLKI - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for VanEck Digital Native Economy ETF (GENZ) is 7.97%, while State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR Premium Income ETF (XLKI) has a volatility of 8.68%. This indicates that GENZ experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than XLKI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GENZ	XLKI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.97%	8.68%	-0.71%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	17.84%	17.55%	+0.29%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.62%	19.96%	+0.66%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	24.71%	19.92%	+4.79%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	25.15%	19.92%	+5.23%

GENZ vs. XLKI - Expense Ratio Comparison

GENZ has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is higher than XLKI's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

GENZ vs. XLKI - Dividend Comparison

GENZ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.66%, less than XLKI's 17.91% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GENZ VanEck Digital Native Economy ETF	3.66%	3.34%	2.88%	1.68%	0.44%	0.79%	0.47%	2.95%	3.43%	2.31%	3.15%	4.09%
XLKI State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR Premium Income ETF	17.91%	8.52%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GENZ and XLKI in my portfolio?

GENZ and XLKI have a correlation of 0.28, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, GENZ or XLKI?

XLKI has higher volatility (8.68%) compared to GENZ (7.97%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GENZ dropped -71.12% vs XLKI's -11.21%.

Which ETF is better, GENZ or XLKI?

On 1-year performance, XLKI leads with 24.59% vs -13.86% for GENZ. On fees, XLKI is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, GENZ has been the lower-risk option at 7.97%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GENZ or XLKI?

Over the 1-year period, XLKI has performed better with a 24.59% return vs -13.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GENZ or XLKI?

XLKI is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for GENZ.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, GENZ or XLKI?

XLKI has the higher dividend yield at 17.91%, compared with 3.66% for GENZ.

What is the main difference between GENZ and XLKI?

They also come from different issuers: VanEck and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for GENZ and 0.35% for XLKI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XLKI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.13 vs -0.69), 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.