GII vs. XLU

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

GII (SPDR S&P Global Infrastructure ETF) and XLU (State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF) are both Utilities Equities funds from State Street - GII tracks the S&P Global Infrastructure while XLU tracks the Utilities Select Sector Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, GII returned 8.70%/yr vs 9.26%/yr for XLU. A 0.65 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. GII charges 0.40%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for XLU.

Performance

GII vs. XLU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SPDR S&P Global Infrastructure ETF (GII) and State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GII achieves a 9.51% return, which is significantly higher than XLU's 6.16% return. Over the past 10 years, GII has underperformed XLU with an annualized return of 8.70%, while XLU has yielded a comparatively higher 9.26% annualized return.

GII

• 1D: 0.13%
• 1M: -0.19%
• YTD: 9.51%
• 6M: 10.02%
• 1Y: 18.20%
• 3Y*: 16.79%
• 5Y*: 10.83%
• 10Y*: 8.70%

XLU

• 1D: 0.55%
• 1M: -0.76%
• YTD: 6.16%
• 6M: 6.71%
• 1Y: 14.60%
• 3Y*: 14.60%
• 5Y*: 10.41%
• 10Y*: 9.26%

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

GII vs. XLU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
GII SPDR S&P Global Infrastructure ETF	9.51%	21.79%	14.30%	5.90%	-0.54%	11.39%	-6.81%	26.32%	-10.08%	19.07%
XLU State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF	6.16%	16.03%	23.31%	-7.18%	1.44%	17.70%	0.51%	25.93%	3.94%	12.05%

Correlation

The correlation between GII and XLU is 0.68, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.68
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.75
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.73
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.67
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 31, 2007	0.65

The correlation between GII and XLU has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.65 to 0.75 - a consistent structural relationship.

GII vs. XLU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	GII	XLU
Industrials	27.8%	-
Utilities	25.9%	100.0%
Energy	20.3%	-
Financial Services	4.8%	-
Technology	2.5%	-
Communication Services	0.3%	-
Real Estate	0.1%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Healthcare	-	-

Return for Risk

GII vs. XLU — Risk / Return Rank

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

GII

GII Risk / Return Rank: 53
GII Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
GII Sortino Ratio Rank: 49
GII Omega Ratio Rank: 49
GII Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
GII Martin Ratio Rank: 52

XLU

XLU Risk / Return Rank: 28
XLU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 29
XLU Sortino Ratio Rank: 26
XLU Omega Ratio Rank: 26
XLU Calmar Ratio Rank: 33
XLU Martin Ratio Rank: 26

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.

GII vs. XLU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR S&P Global Infrastructure ETF (GII) 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.

	GII	XLU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.68	1.00	+0.68
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.35	1.41	+0.94
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.18	+0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.08	1.60	+1.48
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.81	3.39	+5.42

GII vs. XLU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GII Sharpe Ratio is 1.68, which is higher than the XLU Sharpe Ratio of 1.00. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GII 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

GII vs. XLU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GII drawdown since its inception was -50.98%, roughly equal to the maximum XLU drawdown of -51.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GII and XLU.

Drawdown Indicators

	GII	XLU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-50.98%	-51.98%	+1.00%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.94%	-9.18%	+3.24%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.31%	-17.26%	+2.95%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-20.67%	-25.26%	+4.59%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.84%	-36.07%	-6.77%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.97%	-5.05%	+2.08%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.50%	-10.22%	-1.28%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.07%	4.31%	-2.24%

Volatility

GII vs. XLU - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for SPDR S&P Global Infrastructure ETF (GII) is 3.60%, while State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLU) has a volatility of 5.26%. This indicates that GII experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than XLU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GII	XLU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.60%	5.26%	-1.66%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.96%	11.72%	-2.76%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.88%	14.70%	-3.82%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.09%	17.31%	-3.22%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.14%	19.28%	-2.14%

GII vs. XLU - Expense Ratio Comparison

GII has a 0.40% expense ratio, which is higher than XLU's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

GII vs. XLU - Dividend Comparison

GII's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.67%, less than XLU's 3.30% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GII SPDR S&P Global Infrastructure ETF	2.67%	3.17%	3.23%	3.70%	3.07%	2.37%	2.66%	3.39%	3.31%	3.38%	3.11%	3.54%
XLU State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF	3.30%	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 GII and XLU in my portfolio?

GII and XLU have a correlation of 0.68, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, GII or XLU?

XLU has higher volatility (5.26%) compared to GII (3.60%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GII dropped -50.98% vs XLU's -51.98%.

Which ETF is better, GII or XLU?

On 10-year performance, XLU leads with 9.26% vs 8.70% for GII. On fees, XLU is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, GII has been the lower-risk option at 3.60%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GII or XLU?

Over the 10-year period, XLU has performed better with a 9.26% return vs 8.70%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GII or XLU?

XLU is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.40% for GII.

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

XLU has the higher dividend yield at 3.30%, compared with 2.67% for GII.

What is the main difference between GII and XLU?

GII tracks S&P Global Infrastructure, while XLU tracks Utilities Select Sector Index. Their fees differ too: 0.40% for GII and 0.08% for XLU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GII currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.68 vs 1.00), 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.